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

begs leave to report as follows:

Edward D. Sultan holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration, and presently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Edward D. Sultan Co. Ltd. Mr. Sultan has been an active member of many community and professional organizations, including Easter Seals Society of Hawaii, and the Hawaii Republican Party, Hawaii Jeweler's Association, among others.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nominee from many business associates including those from the legal profession, the visitor industry, real estate profession, and family friends.

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, among other issues.

Your Committee finds that a member of the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii occupies an important public office with a high degree of authority and responsibility. The office must be filled by individuals committed to public service who will contribute the necessary time and energy required of the position and work in the best interests of our students and faculty. Upon consideration of the nominee's testimony and written statement submitted by the nominee, and concerns expressed by several members about the nominee's responses to questions related to his vision for the university system, the current issues challenging the university system, and his political affiliation as reflected in his testimony, your Committee is unable to support the nominee with the full faith and confidence deserving of a position of such importance to the State.

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 not qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate not advise and consent to the nomination.