GM 529: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board, Gubernatorial Nominee, FONOKALAFI MISI, for a term to expire 06-30-2028.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1953

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 529

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Labor and Technology, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 529, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Fonokalafi Misi for service on the Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Fonokalafi Misi from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO; Hawaii State AFL-CIO; International Longshore and Warehouse Union; International Union of Operating Engineers Local 3; International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142, AFL-CIO; and University of Hawaii Professional Assembly. 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Misi's knowledge and extensive experience qualify him to be nominated for appointment to the Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Misi currently serves as a Business Agent for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 3, which was instrumental in establishing the Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board and has had an employee on the Board since its formation.  As a Business Agent, Mr. Misi visits job sites and works with union members to ensure that employers and employees alike maintain compliance with certification and safety requirements.  Previously, Mr. Misi worked for over thirteen years as a Certified Crane Operator, gaining firsthand experience as a laborer in the construction industry.  His extensive knowledge is reflected in his class A commercial driving license and hoisting machine operator certificate.  Your Committee also recognizes that Mr. Misi has been certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators since 2005.  His practical experience with heavy machinery and perspective as a worker and leader will be assets to the Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Fonokalafi Misi be appointed to the Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board based on his knowledge, experience, and dedication to the hoisting machine operator workforce.

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