STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1034

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 493, 494

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Intergovernmental and Military Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 493 and 494, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Advisory Board on Veterans' Services

G.M. No. 493	ANNE V. STEVENS, for a term to expire 6-30-2008; and
G.M. No. 494	PATRICIA ANN WIELAND, for a term to expire 6-30-2009,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees, and finds Anne V. Stevens and Patricia Ann Wieland to have the necessary qualifications to be appointed to the Advisory Board on Veterans' Services.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Anne V. Stevens from the Director of the Office of Veterans Services, State of Hawaii, Department of Defense; The Mestizo Association; Pearl Harbor Visitor Center; and one individual.  Ms. Stevens served for twelve years in the United States Coast Guard and received the United States Coast Guard Commendation Medal for her search and rescue work in Hawaii where she is credited with saving one hundred fifty-seven lives.  Ms. Stevens also served as a former legislator in the State of Hawaii House of Representatives where she avidly served the people of Waikiki and Ala Moana.  She worked as a sincere and tireless advocate for the homeless veterans that were recently evicted from Ala Moana Beach Park, providing them with important information on veterans' shelters and other services.  Ms. Stevens brings a wealth of knowledge and commitment to the issues affecting veterans making her a key component to the Advisory Board on Veterans' Services.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Patricia Ann Wieland from the Director of the Office of Veterans Services, State of Hawaii, Department of Defense; Veterans Helping Veterans; and two individuals.  Ms. Wieland honorably served in the United States Navy Reserve for twenty-one years.  She currently works as the Coordinator for the Veterans' Affairs Volunteer Service at the Spark Matsunaga Medical Center where she provides diligent assistance to returning veterans regarding the procedures for filing their claims for veterans' benefits.  Ms. Wieland's heightened understanding of the issues and needs of veterans make her a valuable asset to the Advisory Board on Veterans' Services.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Intergovernmental and Military Affairs that are 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.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Intergovernmental and Military Affairs,

____________________________

LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair