Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Business and Economic Development, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 564, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee, and finds the nominee to have the necessary qualifications to be appointed to the Community-Based Economic Development Advisory Council.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the reappointment of DAVID FUERTES from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and the Hawaii Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development. Mr. Fuertes earned an associate's degree in general agriculture from Shasta College, as well as a bachelor's degree in tropical agriculture and a professional diploma in education from the University of Hawaii. He is a department head at Kohala High School, where he also serves as the FFA advisor. Mr. Fuertes has extensive experience coordinating community efforts to maintain a diverse and sustainable local economy in Hawaii. He has been a consultant for strategic planning, quality management and improvement, services, training, and technical assistance for over twenty years. Mr. Fuertes has served on the Community-Based Economic Development Advisory Council since September 2000, and as chairperson of the council since July 2003.

In response to questions posed by your Committee regarding the challenges faced by the council, Mr. Fuertes testified that community-based economic development initiatives require more time to build community through citizen involvement than other types of economic development programs. He intends to continue to promote efforts to teach financial literacy, technical, and business planning skills, and encourage the development of local talents into sustainable businesses.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Business and Economic Development 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.