STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1900

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 545, 546, 547, 578

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Labor and Technology, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 545, 546, 547, and 578, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Enhanced 911 Board

 

G.M. No. 545

GREGG OKAMOTO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024;

 

G.M. No. 546

KEOLA TOM,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023;

 

G.M. No. 547

ELIZABETH GREGG,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024; and

 

G.M. No. 578

REED MAHUNA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Gregg Okamoto, Keola Tom, Elizabeth Gregg, and Reed Mahuna for service on the Enhanced 911 Board.

 

GREGG OKAMOTO

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Gregg Okamoto from the Hawaii High Density Drug Trafficking Area and one individual.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the appointment of Gregg Okamoto from one individual. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Okamoto's professional background and dedication to serving the community qualify him for consideration for appointment to the Enhanced 911 Board as a representative from the public safety answering point for Maui pursuant to section 138-2(a)(3), Hawaii Revised Statutes.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Okamoto has been with the Maui Police Department for over twenty-five years and was promoted to Police Inspector and the Assistant Chief of Police for the Support Services Bureau in March 2022.  Your Committee further notes that Mr. Okamoto started his career with the Maui Police Department as an officer in the Communications Section and has thorough knowledge of the Maui Police Department 911 operations.  During the hearing, he confirmed that he has served on a number of governmental boards and organizations, including but not limited to the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Children's Justice Center of Maui and Hawaii Sexual Assault Response and Training Program Multi-Disciplinary Team.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Okamoto has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his background and knowledge will enhance the effectiveness of the Enhanced 911 Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Gregg Okamoto be appointed to the Enhanced 911 Board based on his background, knowledge, and desire to contribute to the community.

 

KEOLA TOM

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Keola Tom from the Hawaii High Density Drug Trafficking Area and two individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Tom's professional background and desire to serve the community qualify him for consideration for appointment to the Enhanced 911 Board as a representative from the public safety answering point for Molokai pursuant to section 138-2(a)(3), Hawaii Revised Statutes.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Tom has been with the Maui Police Department for over twenty years and is currently a Police Captain in the Quality Assurance Division and the Assistant Chief of the Uniform Services Bureau.  During the hearing, he noted his responsibility in developing budgets, knowledge of the procurement process, and experience in amending policies.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Tom understands the role and responsibilities of board members and his background and knowledge will enhance the effectiveness of the Enhanced 911 Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Keola Tom be appointed to the Enhanced 911 Board based on his background, knowledge, and desire to contribute to the community.

 

ELIZABETH GREGG

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Elizabeth Gregg from two individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Gregg's professional background and desire to serve the public qualify her for consideration for appointment to the Enhanced 911 Board as a representative from a wireless communications service provider pursuant to section 138-2(a)(2), Hawaii Revised Statutes.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Gregg has been with AT&T Wireless for over twenty-two years and is currently a FirstNet Principal Consultant with the company.  Prior to that, she was a Market General Manager of the Hawaii 3 territory with US Cellular, a national mobile network operator.  Ms. Gregg has been managing high level relationships at the state and local government levels in Hawaii since 1991.  Your Committee further notes Ms. Gregg is also an active volunteer in the community and is currently a board member of The Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation, which raises funds to support the first responders of Hawaii Island.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Gregg understands the role and responsibilities of board members and her background and knowledge, especially in network security, will enhance the effectiveness of the Enhanced 911 Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Elizabeth Gregg be appointed to the Enhanced 911 Board based on her background, knowledge, and desire to contribute to the community.

 

REED MAHUNA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Reed Mahuna from the Office of the Mayor of the County of Hawaii, Hawaii Police Department, Hawaii High Density Drug Trafficking Area, and twelve individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Mahuna's professional background and desire to serve the community qualify him for consideration for appointment to the Enhanced 911 Board as a representative from the public safety answering point for Hawaii Island pursuant to section 138-2(a)(3), Hawaii Revised Statutes.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Mahuna has been with the Hawaii Police Department for over twenty-five years and is currently a Police Major of the Technical Services Division within its Administrative Services Bureau.  Testifiers in support of his nomination universally speak highly of his professionalism, integrity, and leadership skills.  During the hearing, he vowed to work tirelessly and contribute his practical knowledge and experience as a first responder toward fulfilling the mission of the Enhanced 911 Board to keep the communities of the State safe.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Mahuna has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his background and knowledge will enhance the effectiveness of the Enhanced 911 Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Reed Mahuna be appointed to the Enhanced 911 Board based on his background, knowledge, and desire to contribute to the community.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor and Technology that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor and Technology,

 

 

 

____________________________

SHARON MORIWAKI, Chair