Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 106 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to request the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) to recognize on-line courses from accredited institutions as satisfying the State's real estate appraiser certification and licensure requirements.

Two concerned individuals provided testimony in support of this measure. DCCA offered comments.

Your Committee finds that under DCCA rules, certain educational courses must be taken to qualify for real estate appraiser certification and licensure. DCCA testified that these courses must meet criteria established by the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) and the Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR). DCCA currently recognizes on-line or distance continuing education courses that are approved by AQB and meet HAR requirements, and is presently reviewing its rules and considering the acceptance of other on-line courses for real estate appraisers in light of AQB and HAR criteria.

Your Committee further finds that the Appraisal Institute and Lincoln Graduate Center are the two institutions that offer the most classes for certification and licensure of appraisers. The Appraisal Institute does not offer any courses locally, and the Lincoln Graduate Center only offers classes once a year in Hawaii. Costs of traveling or relocating to attend these classes prevent many Hawaii residents from seeking real estate appraiser certification and licensure.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 106 and recommends its adoption.