Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation and Government Operations, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 257, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee received testimony in support of ANN M. SAKAGUCHI from the federal Department of Health and Human Services; the State Department of Defense; the Center of Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance; the Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.; and three individuals.

The nominee represents Oahu and is a reappointment. She received a Ph.D. degree in political science from the University of Hawaii, an M.P.H. degree in health services administration and planning from the University of Hawaii, a post-baccalaureate certificate in international marketing and management from the Japan-America Institute of Management Science, and a B.A. degree from the University of Hawaii.

According to testimony of the State Department of Defense, Dr. Sakaguchi has participated in numerous civil defense activities and contributed her knowledge and expertise to civil defense programs. In particular, she has been an invaluable asset to the Civil Defense Advisory Council by reason of her position as Associate Specialist and Director of Pacific Emergency Management, Preparedness and Response Information Network and Training Services (Pacific EMPRINTS), College of Social Sciences, University of Hawaii. Pacific EMPRINTS trains health professionals in Hawaii, the Pacific Islands, and parts of California to better respond to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive events, including public health emergencies such as small pox, flu pandemics, and avian flu of which she is particularly concerned.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Government Operations 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.