Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 302 and 310, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, résumés, and statements submitted by the nominees, and finds the nominees to have the necessary qualifications to be appointed to the position of nomination.

Your Committee has received testimony in support of SHEILA LEAS from the Commission on the Status of Women and four individuals. Ms. Leas has devoted the past thirty years toward improving our community as a volunteer with the Girl Scout Council of Hawaii, Aloha Council of the Pacific, Hawaii Panhellenic, Punahou School, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Honolulu Academy of Arts. She holds a BA in graphic design from The American University.

Your Committee finds that Ms. Leas possesses the experience and commitment necessary to serve on the Commission on the Status of Women. Your Committee further finds that she is already serving on the commission and thus is very familiar with the criteria important to the solution of problems relating to the status of women.

Your Committee has received testimony in support of SUSAN M. PIRSCH from the Commission on the Status of Women, Representative Kika G. Bukoski and an individual. Ms. Pirsch is a counselor at Seabury Hall with a successful track record of working with adolescents. She previously served as executive director of the UpCountry Youth Center, Inc., responsible for the supervision and direction of four youth centers with administrative and fiscal duties. Ms. Pirsch earned a Graduate Certificate in Public Health and a BA in Journalism from the University of Hawaii. She is near completion of a Masters of Counseling in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Phoenix.

Your Committee finds that Ms. Pirsch possesses the knowledge and desire necessary to serve on the Commission on the Status of Women. Your Committee further finds that she is already serving on the commission and thus is very familiar with the criteria important to the solution of problems relating to the status of women.

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, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.