Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 274 submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Byron W. Bender holds a B.A. degree in English, M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Linguistics, and presently holds the position of Professor Emeritus with the Department of Linguistics at the University of Hawaii. Dr. Bender has been an active member of many professional and community organizations, including the University of Hawaii Faculty Senate, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, the Hawaii Public Employees Health Fund, and the Linguistic Society of America, among others.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nominee from the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, the Hawaii Government Employees Local 152, the Ambassador to the United Nations for the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and eight individuals.

Your Committee questioned the nominee regarding the nominee's willingness to meet with the Legislature, as appropriate, on issues of mutual concern related to the University of Hawaii, and regarding the nominee's ability to exercise judgment and make decisions independent of political affiliation.

Upon consideration of the testimony and written statement submitted by the nominee, your Committee finds that the nominee has the necessary character, experience, and qualifications to serve on the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii. Your Committee further finds that the nominee has been appointed based upon the nominee's credentials and a desire to serve as a volunteer member on the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii.

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.