Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 368 and 369, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

THOMAS T. WATTS has been nominated to serve as a commissioner for a term to expire on June 30, 2006, and also for a subsequent term to expire June 30, 2010.

Your Committee received testimony in support of Mr. Watts from the Crime Victim Compensation Commission, Foster Family Programs of Hawai`i, Fiberglass Hawaii, and four individuals.

Mr. Watts received his bachelor of science degree from Cornell University in 1969 and his juris doctorate from Michigan Law School in 1972. He has been an attorney in private practice since 1975.

Your Committee finds that Mr. Watts' commitment to restorative justice and to holding offenders financially accountable will be a valuable asset to the Commission and will assist the Commission in its mission of providing compensation for the victims of violent crimes.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs 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.