Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 434 and 529, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee received testimony in support of ROY T. OGAWA from MEDCAR Incorporated, Market City, Limited, and six individuals. The nominee is the president and director of Oliver Law Lawhn Ogawa and Nakamura. Mr. Ogawa received a BA degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a Juris Doctor Degree from Indiana University. Mr. Ogawa has practiced law for twenty-six years in Hawaii, and has been a member of various legal organizations. His current practice is primarily in commercial, real estate, and construction litigation and transactions. The nominee has been an interim appointment to WICHE and presently serves on the Issue Analysis and Research Committee and the Audit Committee. Your Committee notes from the nominee's written statement that he wishes to work hard to provide Hawaii's citizens with the opportunity to obtain the best public education available on an affordable basis. His dedication to hard work, combined with his background, education, and experience will allow him to meet the requirements of this position.

Your Committee received testimony in support of ROBERTA M. RICHARDS from Hawaii Government Employees Association, Susannah Wesley Community Center, and three individuals. Roberta M. Richards is presently employed as an educational officer by the Department of Education. Ms. Richards received a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Education degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She also holds a Certificate of Teaching the Disadvantaged from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and a Professional Certificate of Counseling and Guidance and an Educational Administration Certificate from the Department of Education. Ms. Richards has been employed by the Department of Education for thirty-eight years. Your Committee notes the written statement of the nominee that she desires to bridge the gap between lower and higher education by providing opportunities for young men and women to explore. Ms. Richards is being re-appointed.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, 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.