Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 304, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Based upon your Committee's evaluation of the testimony received from, and in support of, the nominee, your Committee finds that the nominee should be afforded an opportunity to serve the public.

Testimony in support of the nominee was received from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney, Federal Public Defender for the District of Hawaii, the Hawaii State Representative from the 51^st District, and seven individuals.

Trish Morikawa is a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, City and County of Honolulu, where she has been employed since 1995. She received a JD degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law, and a BA degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She is also a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools.

Your Committee notes the testimony of the DHHL that the nominee's understanding of the law will be a valuable asset to the Hawaiian Homes Commission in its deliberations, particularly as to the various legal challenges currently underway.

Based on the testimony submitted by the nominee and her supporters, your Committee believes that the nominee possesses the attributes necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the Hawaiian Homes Commission with compassion, fairness, and reason.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs 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.