STAND. COM. REP. NO. 485

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 298, 300, 301

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 298, 300, and 301, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Early Learning CounciL

G.M. No. 298	CHARLES E. LARSON, for a term to expire 6-30-2010;
G.M. No. 300	CRYSTAL RAY K. NAONE, for a term to expire 6-30-2010; and
G.M. No. 301	LORA A. PERRY, for a term to expire 6-30-2011,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees, and finds Charles E. Larson, Crystal Ray K. Naone, and Lora A. Perry to have the necessary qualifications to be nominated to the Early Learning Council.

     Testimony in support of the nomination of Charles E. Larson was submitted by one organization and two individuals.

     Mr. Larson earned a Bachelor's degree in Education.  He is currently the Director of Seagull Schools and has worked previously as a Kauai Head Start Trainer Consultant and Teacher at the Family Services Center in Kalihi.  Mr. Larson was instrumental in the establishment of the Childcare Business Coalition in 1997.  He has also served as President of the Hawaii Intergenerational Network and as a member of the Kokua Council.

     According to testifiers, Mr. Larson would provide a wealth of knowledge on developing successful public-private partnerships to promote early education.  Mr. Larson is known as an innovator and collaborator in the field of Early Education and was recognized for his creativity in 2006, when he received the Kapolei Outstanding Achievement Award for Entrepreneur of the Year.

     Testimony in support of the nomination of Crystal Ray K. Naone was submitted by one organization.

     Dr. Naone earned her Doctorate of Philosophy, Master of Arts, and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  She is the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture, the former Community Relations and Development Director of the Keiki O Ka Aina Family Learning Centers, and the former Executive Director of the Pa Lehua Project.  Dr. Naone has also previously handled business operations for Productions K2 Culture Seminars, danced hula professionally, and served as a Hawaiian Immersion Teacher at several schools.

     According to testimony, Dr. Naone is very knowledgeable in improving learning environments and programs for Native Hawaiian children.  She is experienced in elementary education and family child learning programs and would be a valuable member of the Early Learning Council.

     Testimony in support of the nomination of Lora A. Perry was submitted by one organization and four individuals.

     Ms. Perry earned a Master's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Hawaii, a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Management from Hawaii Loa College, and an Associate's degree in Early Education from Honolulu Community College.  She also has a Child Development Associate credential.

     Ms. Perry is currently the Co-Director of Na Pono No Na Ohana, a program of the Partners in Development Foundation.  She also serves as an Equipped for the Future Cadre Member and a Consultant/Trainer for Education for Adults and Children Programs in the State of Hawaii.  She has previously held numerous positions as a coordinator, trainer, or teacher for programs and schools such as Blanche Pope Elementary's Even Start Program, People Attentive to Children, Nuuanu Preschool, and Kamehameha Schools.

     Ms. Perry is described by testifiers as a well-qualified trainer and mentor who is dedicated to providing families with high-quality education.  She is an expert in the field of Early Childhood Education and currently directs an exemplary family education program.  As an administrator, she is experienced in managing programs, collaborating with both state and federal governmental agencies, and advocating for early childhood and family education learning.  Ms. Perry's passion, experience, and knowledge would make her a valuable member of the Early Learning Council.

     Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services 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 Human Services,

____________________________

SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair