STAND. COM. REP. NO. 977

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 505

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Labor, Culture and the Arts, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 505, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Deputy Director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

 

G.M. No. 505

JOANN VIDINHAR,

for a term to expire at noon on 12-05-2022,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Joann Vidinhar for service as the Deputy Director of Labor and Industrial Relations.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Ms. Vidinhar from the Governor; Department of Accounting and General Services; Department of Agriculture; Department of Budget and Finance; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; Department of Human Resources Development; Department of Human Services; Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Public Safety; Department of Taxation; Department of Transportation; Hawaii State Energy Office; Office of Enterprise Technology Services; Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board; Workforce Development Council; Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Workforce Development Division; and three individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Vidinhar's background and commitment to serving the public qualify her to be appointed as Deputy Director of Labor and Industrial Relations.  Your Committee notes that she has been serving as the Acting Deputy Director of Labor and Industrial Relations since September 2020.  Prior to that, she served as the Administrator for the Department's Disability Compensation Division.  Ms. Vidinhar has previously served in a variety of public positions, including as the Assistant Director and City Building Official, and as the Development Manager and Planner at the City of Bremerton, Washington Department of Community Development; and as a Senior Planner and Building and Planning Supervisor at the Kitsap County Department of Community Development.

 

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Vidinhar has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of the Deputy Director and her extensive experience with work programs and public sector management will continue to enhance Department operations.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Vidinhar be appointed as Deputy Director of Labor and Industrial Relations based on her knowledge, experience, and dedication to public service.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor, Culture and the Arts 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 Labor, Culture and the Arts,

 

 

 

____________________________

BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair