STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1794

                                    Honolulu, Hawaii
                                                      , 1999

                                    RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 289
                                        




Honorable Norman Mizuguchi
President of the Senate
Twentieth State Legislature
Regular Session of 1999
State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred
Governor's Message No. 289 submitting for study and consideration
the nomination of:

DEFENDER COUNCIL

     G.M. No. 289     ALFRED B. CASTILLO, JR., for a term to
                      expire June 30, 2003

begs leave to report as follows:

     Upon review of the statement submitted by the nominee, your
Committee finds that the aforementioned nominee is a volunteer,
willing to serve without compensation, and will work with
compassion and commitment to assist in administering various
government functions.  Your Committee further finds that the
nominee has been appointed based upon his professional
credentials, integrity, and a desire to make Hawaii better
through his participation on the Defender Council. 

     Your Committee notes the following specific qualifications
of the nominee:

     Alfred B. Castillo, Jr. holds a B.A. and J.D. degree from
the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  He is an attorney in private
practice and has been practicing law for 17 years.  Mr. Castillo,
Jr. is a member of the Kauai Bar Association and has been the
President of the West Kauai Lions Club.

     Testimony in support of Mr. Castillo, Jr. was submitted to
your Committee by the Chief Court Administrator for the District

 
                                    STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1794
                                    Page 2


Court of the Fifth Circuit, and one private citizen.  The
testimony supported the nomination of Mr. Castillo, Jr. by
indicating that he is a man of unquestionable moral character and
possesses the legal experience and knowledge to allow him to
contribute significantly as a member of the Defender Council.

     Your Committee reviewed the testimony and personal letter
from Mr. Castillo, Jr. in lieu of his appearance before the
Committee and believes that the nominee adequately meets the
Committee's standards for confirmation. 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your
Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your
Committee, after full consideration of the background, character,
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 Judiciary,



                                   ______________________________
                                   AVERY B. CHUMBLEY, Co-Chair



                                   ______________________________
                                   MATTHEW M. MATSUNAGA, Co-Chair