STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3854

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 608, 609, 610

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 608, 609, and 610, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Community-Based Economic Development Advisory Council

G.M. No. 608	WILLIAM SMITH for a term to expire 06-30-2029;
G.M. No. 609	MICHELLE AGBIGAY for a term to expire 06-30-2029; and
G.M. No. 610	KAIANA NEIZMAN for a term to expire 06-30-2029,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by William Smith, Michelle Agbigay, and Kaiana Neizman for service on the Community-based Economic Development Advisory Council.

WILLIAM SMITH

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of William Smith from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and Business Development and Support Division of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Smith's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Community-based Economic Advisory Council. Your Committee notes that Mr. Smith has been a financial services professional since 1992 and currently works as the Director of the Kauai Office of the Kauai Small Business Development Center. In this role, he advises aspiring and established entrepreneurs on critical areas, including business planning, financial analysis, and capital access. Previously, Mr. Smith held key managerial and executive positions at various financial institutions, including the Director of Commercial Lending at the Kauai Federal Credit Union. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Smith is an active member in the local business community, and frequently hosts affordable, practical workshops for individuals interested in the fundamentals of business and entrepreneurship. Your Committee finds that Mr. Smith has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in business operations, lending, financial analysis, relationship management, and strategic planning will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Advisory Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that William Smith be appointed to the Community-based Economic Development Advisory Council based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

MICHELLE AGBIGAY

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Michelle Agbigay from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and Business Development and Support Division of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Agbigay's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Community-based Economic Development Advisory Council. Your Committee notes that Ms. Agbigay has been an economic development professional for over a decade and currently works as an Economic Development Specialist for the Department of Research and Development of the County of Hawaii, where she has consistently advanced initiatives that enhance local capacity, and expanded opportunities for small businesses. Testifiers noted her talent for coordinating cross‑sector partnerships and implementing people-centered strategies to deliver measurable results. Ms. Agbigay also owns Tun Hawaii, a private bar service company, and therefore possesses a uniquely valuable dual perspective as a public sector leader and small business owner. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Agbigay is an active member in her community and serves on the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council's executive committee as a board member. Your Committee finds that Ms. Agbigay has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in strategic planning, sustainable growth, and community engagement initiatives will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Advisory Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Michelle Agbigay be appointed to the Community-based Economic Development Advisory Council based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

KAIANA NEIZMAN

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kaiana Neizman from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and Business Development and Support Division of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Neizman's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Community-based Economic Development Advisory Council as a member representing the County of Hawaii. Your Committee notes that Mr. Neizman has been a financial management professional since 1990 and currently works as the Center Director of the Hawaii Small Business Development Center, through which he gained a broad understanding of the economic challenges facing the State's business community. Previously, Mr. Neizman was a Credit Review Manager and Vice President at Columbia Bank for over twenty years. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Neizman is an active member in his community, serving as the treasurer and member of the board of directors for the Hui Oihana Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce and Kua O Ka La New Century Public Charter School. Your Committee finds that Mr. Neizman has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in financial management, community engagement, and small business support will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Advisory Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Kaiana Neizman be appointed to the Community-based Economic Development Advisory Council based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

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

____________________________

LYNN DECOITE, Chair