SSCR3935

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3935

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 706, 737

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. 706 and 737, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Electricians and Plumbers

G.M. No. 706

JAMES TAM,

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

G.M. No. 737

MILES KAMIMURA,

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 James Tam and Miles Kamimura for service on the Board of Electricians and Plumbers.

JAMES TAM

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of James Tam from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Electrical Contractor's Association of Hawaiʻi, Hawaii Electricians Market Enhancement Program, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 1186, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 1260, and Plumbers and Fitters United Association Local 675.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Tam's background, experience, and dedication to community service qualify him to be appointed to the Board of Electricians and Plumbers as a private citizen member not connected with the industry. Mr. Tam has over forty years of experience as a licensed attorney whose practice focused on helping employer associations and local unions strengthen their industries through the strategic use of their multi-employer Taft-Hartley and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) regulated trust funds, and his clients included many electrician and plumber unions. Currently, Mr. Tam is a Senior Vice President at WhiteStar Advisors, LLC, an independent Securities Exchange Commission registered investment advisor and qualified professional asset manager under ERISA, where he similarly counsels employers and union trustees on how to best achieve consistent returns on trust funds. Your Committee finds that Mr. Tam's extensive professional legal expertise and relevant industry knowledge and background will be assets to the Board of Electricians and Plumbers. Your Committee therefore recommends that James Tam be appointed to the Board of Electricians and Plumbers based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

MILES KAMIMURA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Miles Kamimura from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 1186, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 1260, Plumbers and Fitters United Association Local 675, and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Kamimura's experience, background, and commitment to community service qualify him to be appointed to the Board of Electricians and Plumbers as a private citizen member not connected with the industry. Mr. Kamimura has over forty years of experience in the commercial real estate industry and is the President and founder of Pacific Property Group, Inc., a company that provides commercial property management services, in addition to leasing, sales, and consulting services for office, retail, and industrial properties. Previously, Mr. Kamimura was the President of the real estate firm, Colliers Monroe Friedlander Management, Inc., and worked as a commercial property manager for the real estate firm formerly known as Chaney Brooks and Company. As a longtime commercial real estate professional, Mr. Kamimura has been exposed to and understands the many challenges that are unique to the electrician and plumbing industries. Your Committee finds that Mr. Kamimura's leadership and extensive commercial real estate background will provide a thoughtful and considerate perspective that will enhance the effectiveness of the Board of Electricians and Plumbers. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Kamimura has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of Board members and therefore recommends that Miles Kamimura be appointed to the Board of Electricians and Plumbers based on his experience, background, and dedication 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