SSCR3850

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3850

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 649, 650, 676

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. 649, 650, and 676, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Contractors License Board

G.M. No. 649

RUSSELL INOUYE,

for a term to expire 06-30-2028;

G.M. No. 650

ALAN SHINTANI,

for a term to expire 06-30-2028; and

G.M. No. 676

DARYL SUEHIRO,

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 Russell Inouye, Alan Shintani, and Daryl Suehiro for service on the Contractors License Board.

RUSSELL INOUYE

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Russell Inouye from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; General Contractors Association of Hawaii; King & Neel Pacific, Inc.; Hensel Phelps; Koga Engineering & Construction, Inc.; Ralph S. Inouye Co., Ltd.; S & M Sakamoto, Inc.; Pacific Resource Partnership; Healy Tibbitts Builders, Inc.; and Royal Contracting Company.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Inouye's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Contractors License Board as a licensed member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Inouye has been an engineer since 1988 and is a licensed Professional Engineer and licensed Contractor. Mr. Inouye is currently a Project Engineer, Project Manager, and Island Manager for Koga Engineering & Construction, Inc. Mr. Inouye is also an active member in a number of professional organizations, and currently serves as 2nd Vice President for the General Contractors Association of Hawaii, Vice Chairperson of the Laborers Negotiating Subcommittee, and Alternate Trustee of the Operating Engineers Pre-Apprenticeship for the Apprentice and Journeyman Training Fund. Your Committee finds that Mr. Inouye has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in engineering will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Contractors License Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Russell Inouye be appointed to the Contractors License Board based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

ALAN SHINTANI

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Alan Shintani from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; General Contractors Association of Hawaii; Hawaii Building Industry Foundation; Nordic PCL Construction, Inc.; Mashima Electric, LLC; Building Industry Labor Association of Hawaii; Ralph S. Inouye Co., Ltd.; S & M Sakamoto, Inc.; The Wilhem Group; Royal Contracting Company, Ltd.; King & Neel Pacific, Inc.; Koga Engineering & Construction, Inc.; Hawaii Laborers & Employers Cooperation and Education Trust; D.R. Horton Hawaii; Pacific Resource Partnership; Building Industry Association of Hawaii; CC Engineering & Construction, Inc.; Healy Tibbitts Builders, Inc.; and four individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Shintani's experience and commitment to public service qualify him to be appointed to the Contractors License Board as a licensed member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Shintani has been a licensed general contractor builder for over forty years. Mr. Shintani is currently President of Alan Shintani, Inc., a local company offering general contracting services for various projects. Previously, Mr. Shintani completed apprenticeships in carpentry and served in various roles as a carpenter. Mr. Shintani is also an active member in a number of professional organizations, serving as President of the Building Industry Labor Association, Chairperson of the Hawaii Building Industry Foundation, and Management Trustee of the Laborers Union Pension Trust Fund and Carpenters Union 401K and Financial Security Trust Funds. Your Committee finds that Mr. Shintani has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in carpentry, masonry, and residential and small commercial construction projects will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Contractors License Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Alan Shintani be appointed to the Contractors License Board based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

DARYL SUEHIRO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Daryl Suehiro from the Contractors License Board.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Suehiro's knowledge and prior service on the Contractors License Board qualify him to be appointed to the Contractors License Board as a licensed specialty contractor member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Suehiro has been a journey worker electrician since 1986. Mr. Suehiro is the President of D. Suehiro Electric, Inc. and Vice President of 808 Underground Utilities, Inc. Mr. Suehiro is also an active member of his professional community, having served as Past President and Current Director of the Electrical Contractors Association of Hawaii and as a board member for the Sand Island Business Association and T&T Tinting Specialist, Inc. Your Committee notes that Mr. Suehiro previously served on the Contractors License Board from 2008 to 2016 and has most recently served as an interim member of the Board since July 2023. Accordingly, your Committee finds that Mr. Suehiro has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in electrical contracting will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Contractors License Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Daryl Suehiro be appointed to the Contractors License Board based on his institutional knowledge and desire to serve his community.

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