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. 280, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Upon review of the testimony and written statements submitted by the nominees, your Committee finds that Louis E. Abrams, Kathleen Kagawa, Iris R. Okawa, and Vern M. Yamanaka have the necessary character, experience, and qualifications to serve on the Real Estate Commission.

The nomination of Louis E. Abrams was supported by the Chair of the Kauai County Council, Hawaii Association of Realtors, and Na Pali Properties, Inc. The nomination of Kathleen Kagawa was supported by Aczon Construction, Ltd., Abe Lee Realty, Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties, The Pacific Resource Partnership, and an individual. Iris Okawa's nomination was supported by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hawaii Association of Realtors, and Na Pali Properties, Inc. The Hawaii Association of Realtors testified in support of the nomination of Vern M. Yamanaka.

Mr. Louis E. Abrams is the president and principal broker of Charlee and Associates in Koloa, Kauai, where he oversees the property management division, as well as provides consulting services on investment properties and commercial development. He is a past president of the Kauai Board of Realtors and served on the Kauai County Planning Commission from 1993 to 1996.

Dr. Kathleen Kagawa has worked in the real estate industry for over fifteen years and has been the principal broker of her own firm since 1989. The nominee has experience in real property brokerage, real estate development, and property management.

Ms. Iris. R. Okawa is an attorney with The Pacific Law Group, concentrating in business and corporate law. In the course of her law practice, Ms. Okawa has had experience working on real estate-related issues. The nominee has served as a public member of the Real Estate Commission since July, 1998, and is currently the vice chair of the Commission's Laws and Rules Review Committee.

Mr. Vern M. Yamanaka is the president and principal broker of Yamanaka Enterprises, Inc., president of Hiromu Yamanaka Realty, and vice president of Kapoho Properties. The nominee is a past president of the Hawaii Island Board of Realtors and has served as a national director for the National Association of Realtors.

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.