STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2153

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 560

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 560, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Hawai'i Technology Development Corporation

 

G.M. No. 560

ISABELLA HUGHES,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history and resume submitted by Isabella Hughes for service on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. 

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Isabella Hughes from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaii Technology Development Corporation; Oahu Economic Development Board; Na Mea Hawaii; and four individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Hughes' professional experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify her for appointment to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation.  As the President and co-founder of Shaka Tea, Ms. Hughes has intimate knowledge of what it takes it to build an award winning company in Hawaii.  Ms. Hughes also co-founded and directed the Honolulu Biennial Foundation, which promotes cultural diplomacy and exchange among countries and cultures linked by the Pacific Ocean, and currently serves as its Director Emeritus.  Her experience in arts and culture, entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture, and scaling a business from the neighbor islands would bring valuable expertise and perspective to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation Board of Directors.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Hughes has served as an interim member of the Board since July 2018 and finds that Ms. Hughes has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members. 

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and 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 Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism,

 

 

 

____________________________

GLENN WAKAI, Chair