STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1885

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2005

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 580, 581

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Media, Arts, Science, and Technology, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 580 and 581, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Directors of the High Technology Development Corporation

G.M. No. 580

JAMES D. LaCLAIR,

for a term to expire 06-30-2009; and

G.M. No. 581

DAVID LASSNER, Ph.D.,

for a term to expire 06-30-2009,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee received testimony in support of the appointment of JAMES D. LaCLAIR from the High Technology Development Corporation and three individuals. Mr. LaClair has extensive experience in a broad spectrum of the telecommunications industry through his employment with Verizon Communications (GTE) since 1978. He is presently Verizon's Director of Network Operations Pacific Region, the senior technology executive responsible for directing statewide networking operations and developing technical support technology strategies. Mr. LaClair has worked with the High Technology Development Corporation in a cooperative partnership with the Weinberg Foundation to extend telemedicine services to the neighbor islands. In response to questions posed by your Committee, Mr. LaClair proposed to help the High Technology Development Corporation's clients, and other state technology businesses, achieve short- and long-term economic growth, which would sustain jobs and revenue and diversify Hawaii's economy. Mr. LaClair's enthusiasm and expertise in the telecommunications field will be valuable resources to the board of directors of the High Technology Development Corporation.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the reappointment of DAVID LASSNER, Ph.D. from the High Technology Development Corporation. Dr. Lassner has served on its board since July 2000. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics and a master's degree in computer science from the University of Illinois, and his Ph.D. in communications and information sciences from the University of Hawaii. Dr. Lassner has worked at the University of Hawaii in the area of information technology support since 1977, and as its chief information officer since 1994. In addition, he has served as the principle investigator for a number of Department of Defense and National Science Foundation projects. In response to questions posed by your Committee, Dr. Lassner stated that the challenges the High Technology Development Corporation faces include the public sector's insufficient investments in technology and technology-related education. Dr. Lassner's wide-ranging expertise in the fields of communication, information sciences, and higher education will continue to provide a valuable resource to the High Technology Development Corporation board of directors.

Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees, and finds the nominees to have the necessary qualifications to be appointed to the High Technology Development Corporation board of directors.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Media, Arts, Science, and Technology that is 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 Media, Arts, Science, and Technology,

____________________________

CAROL FUKUNAGA, Chair