STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3852

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 510, 615, 624

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 510, 615, and 624, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects

G.M. No. 510	JONATHAN LUCAS, for a term to expire 06-30-2027;
G.M. No. 615	KEVIN KATAYAMA, for a term to expire 06-30-2028; and
G.M. No. 624	NANCY CASSANDRO, for a term to expire 06-30-2028,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Jonathan Lucas, Kevin Katayama, and Nancy Cassandro for service on the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects.

JONATHAN LUCAS

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Jonathan Lucas from the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Lucas' background, experience, and dedication to community service qualify him to be appointed to the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects (Board) as a professional architect member representing Kauai county. Currently, Mr. Lucas works as a licensed architect and project manager for Palms Hawaii Architecture, LLC on the island of Kauai and serves as a lecturer for the Kauai Community College's Trade Technology Division and Construction Academy. Mr. Lucas has over fifteen years of architectural experience and has been licensed as an architect in Hawaii since December 2019. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Lucas is also actively involved in the Kauai community, serving as Chairperson of the County of Kauai Public Access Open Space Commission and as a member of the County of Kauai Building Code Task Force Committee. Mr. Lucas also volunteers with numerous community organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and the Kauai Surfrider Foundation. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Lucas has served as an interim member of the Board since January 2024 and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of Board members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Jonathan Lucas be appointed to the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

KEVIN KATAYAMA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Kevin Katayama from the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects; Iwamoto Engineering Consultants, Inc.; Anbe, Aruga & Ishizu, Architects, Inc.; and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Katayama's background, knowledge, and prior experience on the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects (Board) qualify him to be reappointed to the Board as a professional engineer member representing the City and County of Honolulu. Mr. Katayama has served as a member of the Board since 2021 and currently serves as Vice Chairperson of the Board and Chairperson of the Board's Administrative Rules Revision Permitted Interaction Group. Mr. Katayama has over thirty years of experience as an engineer and is currently the President and Principal-in-Charge of Katayama & Associates, Inc., a consulting mechanical engineering firm that provides design and construction supervision services relating to air conditioning, ventilation, plumbing, fire protection, and energy management systems. Testifiers have recognized Mr. Katayama as a highly respected mechanical engineer with strong professional design expertise and high ethical standards and professionalism. Your Committee finds that Mr. Katayama's wealth of professional expertise, desire to serve the public, and continued service on the Board will provide continuity and further enhance the work of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Kevin Katayama be reappointed to the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects based on his background, knowledge, and proven leadership.

NANCY CASSANDRO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Nancy Cassandro from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; B+K Design Group, LLC; and seven individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Cassandro's leadership, experience, and commitment to public service qualify her to be appointed to the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects (Board) as a landscape architect member. Ms. Cassandro has been a licensed landscape architect in Hawaii since 1996 and is the co-founder of Umemoto Cassandro, Design Corporation, a well-respected design firm that strives to promote the use of native materials, respect historical and cultural elements, and celebrate the natural artistic assets of landscapes. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Cassandro is also an established leader in the local landscape architect community, having served three consecutive terms as the President of the American Society of Landscape Architects, Hawaii Chapter. Testifiers have recognized Ms. Cassandro as a hard-working, humble, and trustworthy professional who has been a strong and vocal advocate on behalf of the landscape architect community. Your Committee finds that Ms. Cassandro's leadership, dedication to the profession, and more than forty years of experience in landscape architecture will provide an insightful perspective that will enhance the work of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Nancy Cassandro be appointed to the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects based on her leadership, experience, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection 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 Commerce and Consumer Protection,

____________________________

JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair