STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3946

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 605

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 605, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Strategic Broadband Coordinator, Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism

G.M. No. 605

CHUNG CHANG, for a term to expire 12-07-2026,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Chung Chang for service as the Strategic Broadband Coordinator within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Chung Chang from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaii State Energy Office; Hawaii Technology Development Corporation; Research and Economic Analysis Division of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Creative Industries Division of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Foreign-Trade Zone Division of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation; Agribusiness Development Corporation; Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority; Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority; Broadband Hui; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiian Telcom; and five individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Chang's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the position of Strategic Broadband Coordinator. Your Committee notes that Mr. Chang has a diverse background in providing strategic business leadership, demonstrated through his service in various roles in the private and public sectors. Mr. Chang has served the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Ways and Means as a Committee Clerk and Bills Researcher and also served the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism as a Deputy Director and Aerospace Development Coordinator. During the course of Mr. Chang's career, he has gained broad experience and knowledge about the State's digital economy and how to ensure the equitable distribution of digital technologies to residents of the State. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Chang has served as the interim Strategic Broadband Coordinator since July 2023 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Strategic Broadband Coordinator. Your Committee therefore recommends that Chung Chang be appointed to the position of Strategic Broadband Coordinator based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism 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 Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism,

____________________________

LYNN DECOITE, Chair