Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Housing, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 335, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

The Department of Human Services, the Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii (HCDCH) and the Chair of its Board of Directors, the Department of Community Services of the City and County of Honolulu, and Partners in Care testified in support of the nomination of BETTY LOU LARSON.

Betty Lou Larson, as the Continuum of Care nominee for the counties, has a wealth of experience with affordable housing and homeless issues, and with the HCDCH in particular. She serves as Housing Assistance Program Director for Catholic Charities Elderly Services. As President of the Affordable Housing and Homeless Alliance and as a member of Partners in Care, she is also well versed in the many complex issues involved in serving the homeless population, and is an able advocate for the interests and concerns of the homeless.

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 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.