STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3916

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 697, 698, 699, 714

 

 

 

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. 697, 698, 699, and 714, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Real Estate Commission

 

G.M. No. 697

RICHARD EMERY

for a term to expire 06-30-2030;

 

G.M. No. 698

TRINETTE KAUI

for a term to expire 06-30-2030;

 

G.M. No. 699

FRANK GOODALE

for a term to expire 06-30-2030; and

 

G.M. No. 714

ANDREA USHIJIMA

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 Richard Emery, Trinette Kaui, Frank Goodale, and Andrea Ushijima for service on the Real Estate Commission.

 

RICHARD EMERY

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Richard Emery from the Real Estate Commission; Law Offices of Philip S. Nerney, LLLC; Imanaka Asato, LLLC; and four individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the reappointment of Richard Emery from three individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Emery's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Real Estate Commission qualify him for reappointment to the Real Estate Commission as a licensed broker member from Honolulu.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Emery has been licensed as a broker in Hawaii since 1998 and is currently the Principal Broker and Owner of Hawaii First Realty LLC and Vice President of Hawaii Affairs at Associa, where he is responsible for Hawaii strategic issues and legislative matters.  Previously, Mr. Emery was Principal Broker and President of Hawaii First Inc.  Mr. Emery is also a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians.  Your Committee further notes that Mr. Emery has served on the Real Estate Commission since 2022.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Emery's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Real Estate Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Richard Emery be reappointed to the Real Estate Commission based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

 

TRINETTE KAUI

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Trinette Kaui from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Mayor of the County of Kauaʻi, Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation, Self-Help Housing Corporation of Hawaii, Chun Kerr LLP, Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, Aloha Sotheby's International Realty, Contractors Association of Kauaʻi, and ten individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Kaui's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Real Estate Commission as a licensed broker member from Kauaʻi.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Kaui has more than forty years of experience in the real estate industry and is currently the Vice President of Land Assets and Community Relations at BBCP Kauai Operating, LLC, where she is responsible for managing the company's Kauaʻi land portfolio of eighteen thousand five hundred acres.  Previously, Ms. Kaui was Area Manager and Broker in Charge at A&B Properties Hawaii, LLC from 1983 to 2022.  Your Committee further notes that Ms. Kaui is an active member in her profession, currently serving as a member and Treasurer Elect on the Kauai Board of Realtors.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Kaui has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in the real estate industry will enhance the effectiveness of the Real Estate Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Trinette Kaui be appointed to the Real Estate Commission based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

FRANK GOODALE

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Frank Goodale from the Real Estate Commission and three individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Goodale's knowledge and experience serving on the Real Estate Commission qualify him for reappointment to the Real Estate Commission as a licensed broker member from Hawaii Island.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Goodale's career in real estate in Kailua-Kona spans nearly four decades.  Mr. Goodale commenced in the industry in 1988 as a Sales Agent and Project Developer at Bradley Properties, Ltd. and progressed through management and leadership roles at Clark Realty Corporation and Clark Realty LLC.  Mr. Goodale is currently Broker in Charge at SVN GO COMMERCIAL, where he is responsible for management of the real estate firm.  Your Committee further notes that Mr. Goodale has served on the Real Estate Commission since 2025 and is a member of the Kona Historical Society.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Goodale's experience and knowledge will continue to be valuable to the Real Estate Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Frank Goodale be reappointed to the Real Estate Commission based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

 

ANDREA USHIJIMA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Andrea Ushijima from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and four individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Ushijima's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Real Estate Commission as a public member.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Ushijima has been licensed to practice law in the State since 2013 and is a Partner at Cades Schutte, where she specializes in real estate, finance, and banking law and is Chair of the firm's Banking Law Practice Group.  Your Committee further notes that Ms. Ushijima is an active member of her profession, previously serving as Director of the Real Property and Financial Services Section of the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association.  Ms. Ushijima also serves the community as a member of the YMCA Honolulu Metro Board and a member and Chair of the Nuʻuanu YMCA.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Ushijima has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive legal background and experience in governance will enable her to contribute to the effectiveness of the Real Estate Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Andrea Ushijima be appointed to the Real Estate Commission based on her 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