STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1378

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 752

 

 

 

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Tourism, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 752, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Board of Directors of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority

 

G.M. No. 752

CRAIG NAKAMURA,

for a term to expire 6-30-2014,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Craig Nakamura to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Craig Nakamura from The Fairmont Orchid, Hyundai Tournament of Champions, Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, and three private citizens.

 

     Mr. Nakamura has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Colorado and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Hawaii School of Law.  He is a member of the Hawaii State Bar Association and the Maui Bar Association and is actively involved in his community through participation in the Wailuku Heights Community Association II and Kapalua Maui Charities. 

 

     Mr. Nakamura currently works as an attorney with the law firm of Carlsmith Ball LLP on the island of Maui.  Mr. Nakamura has an extensive background in real estate law and regularly represents landlords, tenants, and property management companies in lease transactions, including shopping centers, ground leases, warehouses, offices, and residential leases.  Mr. Nakamura also has an extensive knowledge of real property development transactions, licensing and permitting processes, and complex financings.  Prior to joining Carlsmith Ball LLP, Mr. Nakamura worked at the law firm of Ueoka & Luna.

 

     Throughout his legal career, Mr. Nakamura has worked with numerous restaurants on the island of Maui, including international chains and franchises, servicing clients with respect to business start-up and operational issues, including leasing, permitting, and licensing issues.  Mr. Nakamura is also a former member of the Hawaii Restaurant Association. 

 

     Mr. Nakamura has a firm understanding of the local business environment and the impact tourism has on the State's economy.  The clients he represents on a daily basis are heavily dependent on revenues generated from tourism and his client service has given Mr. Nakamura extensive knowledge of the tourism industry.  Accordingly, your Committee finds that Mr. Nakamura's real estate, corporate, and financial background, along with his knowledge of the tourism industry, will make him a positive addition to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

 

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

 

 

 

____________________________

DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair