STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3848

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 513, 618, 619, 620, 621

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. 513, 618, 619, 620, and 621, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Stadium Authority

G.M. No. 513	TRACEY LESETAR-SMITH for a term to expire 06-30-2029;
G.M. No. 618	JOEL KAWACHI for a term to expire 06-30-2029;
G.M. No. 619	CLAIRE TAMAMOTO for a term to expire 06-30-2029;
G.M. No. 620	MICHAEL IMANAKA for a term to expire 06-30-2029; and
G.M. No. 621	LLOYD HISAKA 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 Tracey Lesetar-Smith, Joel Kawachi, Claire Tamamoto, Michael Imanaka, and Lloyd Hisaka for service on the Stadium Authority.

TRACEY LESETAR-SMITH

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Tracey Lesetar-Smith from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and Stadium Authority.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Lesetar-Smith's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Stadium Authority as an at-large public member. Your Committee notes that Ms. Lesetar-Smith has been a sports, entertainment, and government affairs executive since 2011, and currently serves as the Chief of Global Events and Broadcast at World Sevens Football, Senior Business Advisor at 3x3 Baseball Association, and Principal and Chief Executive Officer of TLSK Advisory. Previously, Ms. Lesetar-Smith was Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, and Political Action Committee Chairwoman for NASCAR. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Lesetar-Smith is an active member in her community, and serves on the Boards of Directors of Guardian Jiu-Jitsu and Board of Advisors on EmpowHERed Women in Sports. She also guest lectures on sports business-focused courses at the University of Hawaii at Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law. Your Committee finds that Ms. Lesetar-Smith has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in large-scale sports events, league governance, and legal affairs will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Stadium Authority. Your Committee therefore recommends that Tracey Lesetar-Smith be appointed to the Stadium Authority based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

JOEL KAWACHI

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Joel Kawachi from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Stadium Authority; Moanalua High School Softball; Oahu Interscholastic Association; Mililani High School; and thirty-five individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Kawachi's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Stadium Authority as an at-large public member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Kawachi is a certified Athletic Administrator, who has been serving as the Athletic Director at Moanalua High School for over twenty years. Previously, Mr. Kawachi was an Assistant Athletic Director and Special Education Teacher and Department Head at Moanalua High School. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Kawachi is an active member in his profession, and has been serving with the Oahu Interscholastic Association in executive and advisory roles since 2003. Your Committee finds that Mr. Kawachi has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in large-scale athletic events, collaborating with stakeholders, and managing facility use and operations will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Stadium Authority. Your Committee therefore recommends that Joel Kawachi be appointed to the Stadium Authority based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

CLAIRE TAMAMOTO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Claire Tamamoto from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Stadium Authority; ʻAiea Community Association; Aliʻi Pauahi Hawaiian Civic Club; and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Tamamoto's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Stadium Authority qualify her for reappointment to the Stadium Authority as a public member designated as the Aiea community representative. Your Committee notes that Ms. Tamamoto has over thirty years of experience in business management and has long been a trusted community volunteer leader. Ms. Tamamoto has volunteered with the Aiea Community Association for twenty-eight years and currently serves as its President. She also supports her community as Director of the Aiea Hongwanji Mission Preschool, Director of the Friends of the Aiea Library, and additional leadership roles in numerous local organizations. Ms. Tamamoto was honored for her incredible commitment to her community as the inaugural recipient of the Aiea Community Heroes Award in 2021. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Tamamoto has been serving on the Stadium Authority since 2022 and currently serves as the Authority's advocate for impacted Aiea and Halawa residents, facilitating constructive dialogue to strengthen public engagement and trust in the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District project. Your Committee finds that Ms. Tamamoto's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Stadium Authority. Your Committee therefore recommends that Claire Tamamoto be reappointed to the Stadium Authority based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

MICHAEL IMANAKA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Michael Imanaka from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Stadium Authority; Imanaka Asato, a Limited Liability Law Company; Alexander & Baldwin; Pacific Resource Partnership; Design Partners Incorporated; and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Imanaka's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Stadium Authority qualify him for reappointment to the Stadium Authority as an at-large public member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Imanaka has over ten years of experience in commercial real estate development, leasing, and long-term asset management and is a licensed real estate broker in the State. Mr. Imanaka has been a Senior Manager of Development at Alexander & Baldwin for four years, and before that, served as a Planning and Development Manager at Kamehameha Schools. He also holds the Certified Commercial Investment Member designation, signifying advanced expertise in financial analysis, market evaluation, and leasing strategy. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Imanaka has served on the Stadium Authority since 2021 and currently supports the Authority's project implementation and operations efforts through his knowledge of development processes, deal structures, and commercial property management. Your Committee finds that Mr. Imanaka's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Stadium Authority. Your Committee therefore recommends that Michael Imanaka be reappointed to the Stadium Authority based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

LLOYD HISAKA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Lloyd Hisaka from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Stadium Authority; Hawaii Sports Officials Hall of Fame; and fourteen individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Hisaka's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Stadium Authority as a public member designated as the West Honolulu community representative. Your Committee notes that Mr. Hisaka has over five decades of experience in high school and collegiate athletics in the State and currently works as a sports officiator, sideline assistant, observer, and evaluator with various professional organizations, including the Hawaii Football Officials Association and Hawaii State Basketball Officials Association. Previously, Mr. Hisaka served as the Director and Assistant Director of Student Recreation Services at the University of Hawaii at Manoa from 2007 to 2015, and 1970 to 2007, respectively. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Hisaka is an active member in his community, and serves as a youth mentor and teacher through his involvement in local sports programs. Mr. Hisaka is a founding member, Director, and Selection Committee Chair of the Hawaii Sports Officials Hall of Fame, which he was inducted into in 2023. Your Committee finds that Mr. Hisaka has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive knowledge of scheduling, access, and safety considerations, informed by his experiences as a professional and community member, will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Stadium Authority. Your Committee therefore recommends that Lloyd Hisaka be appointed to the Stadium Authority 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