Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 291, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of RENE BERTHIAUME from the Department of Human Services, the Institute for Human Services, Inc., Rehabilitation Assessment & Planning Specialists, VFW Post 10583, and five individuals.

Mr. Berthiaume has worked with Hawaii's non-profit agencies for over thirty years. He developed and implemented a program that provides employment and training opportunities to disabled veterans on construction projects. As the Vice President and Housing Development Specialist for Network Enterprises, Inc., Mr. Berthiaume generates transitional and permanent housing for homeless veterans through planning, marketing, and other efforts.

Mr. Berthiaume was appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council in July 2003, and currently serves as its Chairperson. His extensive community service includes membership with numerous organizations, including the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, the Hawaii Employers Council, and the Affordable Housing and Homeless Alliance. Mr. Berthiaume is the Senior Vice Commander of VFW Post 10583 and serves as a board member for the National Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services 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.