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. 477, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Testimony in support of the nomination of JAMES E. HASTINGS to represent the federal health care sector on the Council was submitted by the John A. Burns School of Medicine of the University of Hawaii. Dr. Hastings is currently Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs Pacific Island Health Care System. Previously, he served as a medical officer in the United States Army, was Commanding General of the Tripler Army Medical Center, and was Professor and Chairman of the Department of Medicine at the John A. Burns School of Medicine. His many years of experience in the military medical establishment give him intimate familiarity with the close partnership that is necessary between the public and private sectors and academic, federal, and private institutions engaged in training the healthcare work force.

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.