Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 167, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of the following individuals to the Board of Directors, Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii:

begs leave to report as follows:

The Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii (HCDCH) and Governor's Special Assistant for Housing testified in support of both nominations. Island Tenants on the Rise and two individuals testified in support of Mr. Aipopo's nomination. Mr. Mitchell's nomination was also supported by NKN Project Planning.

As a public housing resident for almost thirty years, Aipopo Aipopo, Jr., brings to the HCDCH Board an empathic understanding and knowledge of public housing issues. Mr. Aipopo's involvement with public housing residents include serving as President of Samoan Service Providers and as a Residential/Community Service Advisor at Kalihi Valley Homes. His community service activities include serving as a member of the Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board, Kokua Kalihi Valley Board, and Kalihi Palama Culture and Arts Board.

Kurt H. Mitchell is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kober/Hanssen/Mitchell Architects, with a background in architectural design, experience in planning issues, and a long history of community service. Mr. Mitchell served as a commissioner with HCDCH's predecessor, the Hawaii Housing Authority, is currently a member of the HCDCH Board, and serves as Board Secretary. Mr. Mitchell's commitment to community service is evident through his work with the Barbers Point Naval Air Station Redevelopment Task Force, City and County's Advisory Committee on Development Plan Revisions and Advisory Committee on Rapid Transit, Honolulu Community Action Program, American Planning Association, and numerous other organizations.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, character, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.