Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 400, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Testimony in support of the nomination of Helene I. Sokugawa was submitted by three Members of the House of Representatives, the Interim Chancellor of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the Hawaii Government Employees Association, and two individuals.

Helene I. Sokugawa has over twenty-seven years of postsecondary administrative experience in leading, planning, and assessing institutions and programs, including academic and student support assessment, coordinating accreditation visits, and chairing review panels for federal grant proposals. She is currently an Institutional Analyst in the office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Hawaii, and holds a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Administration. Her background and experience have prepared her well to represent Hawaii on the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, which offers vital student exchange programs that enable states to avoid costly and unnecessary duplication of programs and facilities.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education 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.