Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 291, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

DUANE K. KURISU, for a term to end June 30, 2005,

begs leave to report as follows:

Upon review of the testimony and statement submitted by the nominee, your Committee finds that Mr. Kurisu has the necessary, character, experience, and qualifications to serve on the Board of Regents of the University of Hawai'i.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nominee from the Bank of Hawaii, Verizon Hawaii, Inc., and City Bank.

Your Committee finds that Mr. Kurisu was born and raised in Hakalau on the Big Island and is a product of our public schools in Hawaii. He is a graduate of Hilo High School and earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Business Administration from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.

Professionally, Mr. Kurisu is a partner in the firm of Kurisu & Fergus, owner of shopping centers, office buildings, and warehouses in Hawaii, Washington State, and California. Mr. Kurisu is also a valued member of the Board of Directors of City Bank.

In addition, Mr. Kurisu has been active in the community through the Kurisu Foundation and the Hawaii Winter Baseball Foundation, among other organizations. Through the years, everyone who has come into contact with Mr. Kurisu has benefited from his expertise, guidance, and experience.

Your Committee finds that the Mr. Kurisu has been appointed based upon his credentials, integrity, and a desire to improve Hawaii's higher educational system through his service on the University of Hawai'i Board of Regents.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education 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.