STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3838

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                   

 

RE:     GOV. MSG. NO. 729

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2018

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 729, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Land Use Commission

 

G.M. No. 729

EDMUND ACZON,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Edmund Aczon for service on the Land Use Commission.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Edmund Aczon from the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Oahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Filipina Advocacy Network, and ten individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Aczon's experience in the construction industry, commitment to public service, and proven leadership qualify him to be nominated for reappointment to the Land Use Commission as a member representing the City and County of Honolulu.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Aczon currently serves as the Community Relations Director and Manpower Specialist for the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters.  He previously served as a Field Representative for the Office of the late United States Senator Daniel K. Inouye and also served as a general contractor for Aczon Construction, Ltd., and the Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company.  He has extensive involvement and demonstrated leadership in various building industry associations, including the Building Industry Association of Hawaii, National Association of Homebuilders, and Hawaii Construction Industry Association.  He also has extensive community activity involvement with Damien Memorial School, the Hawaii 3Rs program, the Filipino Community Center, National Federation of Filipino Americans, and Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.

 

     Your Committee further notes that during his first term on the Land Use Commission, Mr. Aczon served as the Chairperson of the Commission for two consecutive years and the Commission focused on transparency by revising their rules and upgrading the computer system.  If appointed to serve for a second term, Mr. Aczon hopes to bring more discussion on smart growth, a balance between needs for housing and jobs, and the need to establish sustainability in Hawaii through conservation and protection of its precious, but limited resources.  Mr. Aczon noted in his personal statement that in light of the Bridge Āina Lea case, he believes that the Land Use Commission should take a look at its enforcement powers and how the Commission can be part of the solution to affordable housing, sustainability, and sea level rise issues.  Due to Mr. Aczon's extensive experience in the construction industry, he is well versed in land use rules, policies, and procedures and understands important community and government issues included in the land use process, and will continue to fill a valuable niche on the Commission.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land 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 Water and Land,

 

 

 

____________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair