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. 276, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Trent K. Kakuda holds a B.A. degree in Political Science and Japanese and is a J.D. candidate at the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii. Mr. Kakuda has been active with many university student organizations and is an alumni member of the Japanese Exchange & Teaching Program, among others.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nominee from the Office of the Senate President, two University of Hawaii faculty members, two public school teachers of the nominee, and many fellow students and friends of the nominee.

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.