STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3830

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 690

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Labor and Technology, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 690, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Hawai'i Retirement Savings Board

G.M. No. 690

JESSIE DEAN for a term to expire 06-30-2030,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Jessie Dean for service on the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Jessie Dean from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and Hawaii Retirement Savings Board.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Dean's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for reappointment to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board as a member representing the interests of small businesses in Hawaii. Your Committee notes that since 2022, Mr. Dean has been the Chief Executive Officer of the King Lunalilo Trust, which provides various services for Native Hawaiian elders, where he applies his professional experience, knowledge, and deep commitment to serving indigenous communities. Previously, Mr. Dean served as the Tribal Affairs Administrator for the Washington State Health Care Authority, where he developed health care policies for American Indian and Alaska Native tribes. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Dean has nearly five years of experience as a financial and compliance auditor, nearly twelve years as a corporate attorney, and eight years as a state agency executive. Your Committee also notes that Mr. Dean has been serving on the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board since 2023, where he has demonstrated outstanding leadership, extensive expertise in retirement planning, and an unwavering commitment to improving financial security for the State's working families. According to testimony, Mr. Dean's contributions have been pivotal in advancing the implementation of the Hawaii Retirement Savings Program by guiding strategic decisions that ensure its timely and effective rollout. Your Committee finds that Mr. Dean's experience and knowledge will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Jessie Dean be reappointed to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor and Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor and Technology,

____________________________

BRANDON J.C. ELEFANTE, Chair