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 Nos. 514, 516, and 515, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Testimony in support of the nomination of CAROL R. IGNACIO was submitted by the Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii, the Department of Human Services, the Mayor and Office of Housing and Community Development of the County of Hawaii, the Affordable Housing and Homeless Alliance, the Hawaii Family Forum, the Hawaii Catholic Conference, and Community Alliance Partners. Ms. Ignacio has a distinguished career in providing housing and homeless support services. She is currently Director of Social Ministry for the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu. She was instrumental in founding the first homeless shelter in Hawaii County and has been active in the development of the West Hawaii Homeless Task Force, Hawaii Island Food Bank, and the Big Island Care-A-Van Program. Her long-standing commitment to social programs is legendary, as is her work ethic.

Testimony in support of the nomination of LINDA L. SMITH was submitted by a member of the House of Representatives, the Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii (HCDCH), the Department of Human Services, the Hawaii Business League, and seven individuals. Ms. Smith has extensive experience in government and fiscal management as well as in the operation of her own business. Currently the Governor's Senior Policy Advisor and a member of the HCDCH Board, she formerly served as Director of Finance for the City and County of Honolulu and as Director of Administration for the federal Office of Management and Budget. She and the other members of the HCDCH Board have worked hard to lift the Corporation out of its "troubled agency" status and smooth the transition into two separate housing agencies in the next fiscal year. Your Committee notes that concerns were raised about the qualifications and fitness of this nominee to serve on the PHA Board.

Testimony in support of the nomination of MATTIE A. YOSHIOKA was submitted by the Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii, the Department of Human Services, two members of the Kauai County Council, the Kauai County Office of Economic Development, the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board, the Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii, and five individuals. Ms. Yoshioka is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of the Kauai Economic Development Board, and has substantial previous administrative experience in the community assistance and housing programs of the County. Her years of experience in government and her commitment to community service will make her an invaluable resource on the PHA Board.

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 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.