STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3819

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 586, 746

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 586 and 746, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Contractors License Board

G.M. No. 586	JERRY NISHEK for a term to expire 06-30-2029; and
G.M. No. 746	CODY SULA for a term to expire 06-30-2030,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Jerry Nishek and Cody Sula for service on the Contractors License Board.

JERRY NISHEK

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Jerry Nishek from the Contractors License Board, Pacific Blue Construction LLC, Contractors Association of Kauaʻi, and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Nishek's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Contactors License Board qualify him for reappointment to the Contactors License Board as a specialty contractor member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Nishek is the President of Kauai Nursery and Landscaping, Inc., where he has worked since 1979, and has been licensed as a landscaping contractor in Hawaii since 1996. Mr. Nishek is an active participant in his profession and is a member and current Secretary of the Contractors Association of Kauai, having previously held the position of President twice, and served as a member of the Advisory Committee on Pesticides from 2005 to 2009, which was also a Senate-confirmed position. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Nishek has served on the Contractors License Board since 2021 and currently serves as the Board's Chairperson. Your Committee finds that Mr. Nishek's experience and knowledge will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Contractors License Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Jerry Nishek be reappointed to the Contractors License Board based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

CODY SULA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Cody Sula from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; International Union of Operating Engineers Local 3; International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 50; Iron Workers Stabilization Fund; and four individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Sula's background and dedication to serving the community qualify him to be appointed to the Contractors License Board as a public member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Sula has over a decade of experience in advocacy, public service, and community engagement. Mr. Sula currently works as a lobbyist for the Iron Workers Stabilization Fund and serves on the Political Committee of the Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council. Previously, Mr. Sula was the Government Affairs Liaison and Business Representative for the Hawaii Teamsters and Allied Workers Union Local 996. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Sula is an active member in his community and currently serves as a board member of the Palehua Hillside Homeowners Association. Your Committee finds that Mr. Sula has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his experience and practical insight into the construction industry will be assets to the Contractors License Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Cody Sula be appointed to the Contractors License Board based on his knowledge, 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