STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3867

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 794

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 No. 794, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Hawai'i Technology Development Corporation

G.M. No. 794

NICOLE CACAL for a term to expire 06-30-2028,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Nicole Cacal for service on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Nicole Cacal from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Servco Pacific, Inc.; Pacxa; and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Cacal's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation as a member with knowledge, interest, and proven expertise in innovation and other technology fields to be appointed by the Governor from a list of nominees submitted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Your Committee notes that Ms. Cacal has earned her Master of Science degree in Technology Management from Columbia University in 2020 and currently serves as the Executive Director of the TRUE Initiative, where she cultivates partnerships with stakeholders to advance digital transformation initiatives and develops comprehensive strategic plans. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Cacal is an active member in her profession, and serves as a governing board member for the International Society of Sustainability Professionals and as a Virtual Professional-in-Residence for the University of Hawaii Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship. She has also served her community in 2025 as a mentor with Hawaii FoundHer, the State's first business accelerator dedicated to Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian American women entrepreneurs. Your Committee finds that Ms. Cacal has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in operations management, cross-functional collaboration, and public‑private partnerships will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Nicole Cacal be appointed to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

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

____________________________

LYNN DECOITE, Chair