STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3661

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 608, 610, 611

 

 

 

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 608, 610, and 611, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Board of Regents of the University of Hawai'i

 

G.M. No. 608

CARL A. CARLSON JR.,

for a term to expire 6-30-2011;

 

G.M. No. 610

TEENA M. RASMUSSEN,

for a term to expire 6-30-2012; and

 

G.M. No. 611

HARVEY S. TAJIRI,

for a term to expire 6-30-2013,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Upon review of the background information provided by the nominee, your Committee finds that Carl A. Carlson, Jr. holds a Bachelor of Science degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and is currently employed as a professional consultant.  Mr. Carlson is being nominated for his first term of service on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents representing West Hawaii.  He has served in varying capacities for several companies in the private sector, including service as an advisor, president, trustee, general manager, and senior project manager.  Mr. Carlson has also served as a member or officer of various professional and community organizations, including formerly serving as a member of the Board of Regents. 

 

     Testimony in support of Mr. Carlson was submitted by the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, and nineteen individuals.

 

     Upon review of the background information provided, your Committee finds that Teena M. Rasmussen is the vice president and co-owner of Paradise Flower Farms, Inc.  Ms. Rasmussen is being nominated for her first term of service on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents representing the community-at-large.  While growing her own business over the past several years, Ms. Rasmussen has also served as the Vice Chair of the Maui County Salary Commission, Chair of the Small Business Administration Regional Advisory Board, a member of the Farm Service Agency, Chair of the Agribusiness Development Corporation, and President of the Maui Chamber of Commerce, among other service and positions.  She has been recognized and honored for her professional and community service and commitment.

 

     Testimony in support of Ms. Rasmussen was submitted by the Chair of the Board of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, Maui County Farm Bureau, Green Point Nurseries, Inc., and thirty-two individuals.

 

     Upon review of the background information provided, your Committee finds that Harvey S. Tajiri is a retired businessman who holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  Mr. Tajiri is being nominated for his first term of service on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents representing East Hawaii.  Mr. Tajiri is a veteran of the United States Army, a former businessman, a former County Councilmember, a former Hawaii State Representative, as well as a Hawaii County Legislative Lobbyist.  He has been an active member in the community, serving as an officer or member of numerous organizations and participating in various community activities in the Hilo community. 

 

     Testimony in support of Mr. Tajiri was submitted by thirty-four individuals.

 

     Your Committee questioned the nominees regarding their backgrounds, potential contributions to the Board, and ideas and vision for improving the University of Hawaii System.  The nominees expressed a strong commitment to several aspects relating to the Board's purview, including seeking personalized achievement for individuals within the System and recognition for the need to provide expanded online or other traditional classroom alternatives, particularly for those from the neighbor islands; a strong commitment to growing and expanding the community college system to ensure adequate programs, services, and funding throughout all campuses, particularly on the neighbor islands; the increased transparency in the operations of the Board; and methods for addressing the funding needs of the University of Hawaii System.  Your Committee believes that the nominees have displayed the necessary dedication and commitment to addressing the needs of the University of Hawaii System.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Education 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 Education,

 

 

 

____________________________

NORMAN SAKAMOTO, Chair