Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 270, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY

begs leave to report as follows:

The Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii (HCDCH), and the Governor's Special Assistant on Housing testified in support of all the nominations. The Department of Human Services supported the nominations of Mr. Aipopo and Mr. Segawa. The Chair of the HCDCH Board testified in support of Mr. Aipopo and Mr. Nishimura. The Masons Union supported the nominations of Mr. Nishimura and Mr. Segawa. The Samoan Service Providers Association testified in favor of Mr. Aipopo's nomination.

Mr. Aipopo Aipopo, Jr. is a residential/community service advisor at Kalihi Valley Homes, with an extensive history of community service. Mr. Aipopo is president of the Samoan Service Providers and serves on the Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board, Kokua Kalihi Valley Board, and Kalihi Palama Culture and Arts Board. He currently serves as the resident member of the HCDCH Board.

Mr. Steven J. Nishimura is a real estate appraiser/consultant and owner of an appraisal company. Mr. Nishimura has served as a volunteer with the Kiwanis Club of Kauai, West Kauai Jaycees, County of Kauai Salary Commission, and Easter Seal Society, among other organizations. The nominee served as a commissioner for the Hawaii Housing Authority prior to its consolidation with the Housing Finance and Development Corporation to form the HCDCH.

Mr. Wesley R. Segawa is an engineer and president of an engineering and construction management firm. He has served as the Board's Chair since 1998. The nominee has volunteered his time and services to numerous organizations, including the American Consulting Engineers Council, American Water Works Association, Hawaii Society of Professional Engineers, Boy Scouts of America, Kiwanis Club, YMCA, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing that is 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.