STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1901

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 551

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 551, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Hawaii Advisory Council on Emergency Management

G.M. No. 551

WILLIAM BERGIN, for a term to expire 06-30-2025,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by William Bergin for service on the Hawaii Advisory Council on Emergency Management.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the appointment of William Bergin from one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Bergin's background in public service and extensive experience qualify him to be nominated for appointment to the Hawaii Advisory Council on Emergency Management. Your Committee notes that Mr. Bergin is an active member of the veterinary and agricultural communities in the State and currently serves as an honorary member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, and Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association. During his fifty-year career, Mr. Bergin also established three veterinary practices, including the West Hawaii Animal Clinic; Veterinary Associates, Inc.; and Aina Hou Animal Hospital. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Bergin currently sits on the Mauna Kea Management Board in an advisory capacity and previously served as a West Hawaii representative on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents. Your Committee notes that the testimony submitted in opposition to this nominee contained no substantive information or commentary relating to his appointment. Your Committee believes that Mr. Bergin's dedication to public and community service and extensive experience with animals will allow him to provide critical insight to the Hawaii Advisory Council on Emergency Management on the impact that certain emergency situations will have on animals and agriculture in the State and therefore recommends that William Bergin be appointed to the Hawaii Advisory Council on Emergency Management.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs,

____________________________

GLENN WAKAI, Chair