STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3850

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 612, 613

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. 612 and 613, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Small Business Regulatory Review Board

G.M. No. 612	LEELEN PARK for a term to expire 06-30-2029; and
G.M. No. 613	CYNTHIA HOBSON 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 Leelen Park and Cynthia Hobson for service on the Small Business Regulatory Review Board.

LEELEN PARK

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Leelen Park from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and Small Business Regulatory Review Board.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Park's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Small Business Regulatory Review Board as a member nominated by the Governor. During the course of Mr. Park's career, he has gained broad experience and knowledge in nonprofit leadership, community development, and small business operations. Your Committee notes that Mr. Park has worked as the Executive Director of the North Kohala Community Resource Center since 2024, where he manages a team of four and an annual budget of over $800,000, collaboratively develops long-term strategic plans, and liaises between the organization and community. Mr. Park also works as the Executive Director of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii in Hilo, leading efforts to drive economic development and foster collaboration between local businesses, government, and community organizations. Previously, Mr. Park served in various positions within The Food Basket Inc., the food bank for the island of Hawaii, where he led major initiatives, including large-scale food security programs and capital campaigns. Mr. Park is also an active member in his community and serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Feed Hawaii–Kohala Food Hub and a member of the Board of Directors of the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Park has served as an interim member of the Board since 2025 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Leelen Park be appointed to the Small Business Regulatory Review Board based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

CYNTHIA HOBSON

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Cynthia Hobson from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and Small Business Regulatory Review Board.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Hobson's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Small Business Regulatory Review Board as a member nominated by the Governor. During the course of Ms. Hobson's career, she has gained broad experience and knowledge in organizational development, fundraising, program development, and nonprofit management. Your Committee notes that Ms. Hobson has worked as a small business consultant since 1992, where she analyzes organizational initiatives and develops strategies to increase stakeholder investment. Previously, Ms. Hobson served as a Private Grants Officer for Child and Family Services. In this role, she collaborated with executive leadership to maintain existing grants and identified and secured new grants. Ms. Hobson has also provided her grant management services to Hawaiian Community Assets and YWCA Oahu Dress for Success. Ms. Hobson is also an active member in her community and serves with the Small Business and Affiliated Associations Chambers Councils of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Hobson has served as an interim member of the Board since 2025 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Cynthia Hobson be appointed to the Small Business Regulatory Review Board based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment 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