STAND. COM. REP. NO.868

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2003

RE: S.B. No. 1057

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing and Transportation, Military Affairs, and Government Operations, to which was referred S.B. No. 1057 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize the Governor to appoint the Insurance Commissioner, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

The ILWU Local 142 and the Hawaii State AFL-CIO submitted testimony in support of this measure. Testimony in opposition to this measure was submitted by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Your Committees find that the position of Insurance Commissioner is of vital importance in state government. The Insurance Commissioner regulates a critical industry with significant impact on both commercial enterprises and the average consumer. To require the Insurance Commissioner to be appointed by the Governor, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate, will ensure that the individual selected receives the full support of the executive and legislative branches. Your Committees further determine that the alteration in the appointment process will also provide the Insurance Commissioner with the unfettered ability to execute the duties and responsibilities of the position in an objective and impartial manner.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing and Transportation, Military Affairs, and Government Operations that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1057 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing and Transportation, Military Affairs, and Government Operations,

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CAL KAWAMOTO, Chair

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RON MENOR, Chair