Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Housing, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 687, 688, and 689, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

The Office of the Mayor of the County of Kauai and five individuals supported the nomination of Lee Ann M. Higashi. A member of the Maui County Council, Bail Hawaii, and six individuals testified in support of the nomination of Barbara M. Kokubun.

LEE ANN M. HIGASHI trained at Hollywood Beauty College, Gary Gerald's Institute of Hair, Vidal Sassoon Academy, and Goldwell International. Ms. Higashi has approximately twenty years of professional experience and currently operates her own salon. Additionally, the nominee is employed as a color specialist and educator, and serves as the recording secretary for the board of the National Cosmetology Association.

BARBARA M. KOKUBUN trained at Royal Beauty School and Honolulu Barber School, and holds barber shop, barber operator, and beauty operator licenses. Ms. Kokubun has thirty years of professional experience and currently owns and operates a barber shop. Additionally, the nominee is active in numerous professional organizations, including the Honolulu Master Barber Association and National Cosmetology Association of Hawaii.

FLORENTINA SMITH, nominated as a public member, is an educator who has served in teaching and administrative positions on Oahu, Hawaii, and Maui, as well as in California and Texas. Dr. Smith is currently principal of August Ahrens Elementary School. In her personal statement, the nominee expressed her belief in the importance of maintaining consistently high standards in the fields of barbering and cosmetology for the benefit of Hawaii's consumers.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Housing 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.