STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2674

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 288

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2010

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 288, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs (PABEA)

G.M. No. 288

MICHAEL BARRY SUMJA, for a term to expire 6-30-2014,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Michael Barry Sumja from the State of Hawaii Executive Office on Aging, the Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons, and three individuals.  Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

     Michael Barry Sumja earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Jackson State University in Memphis, Tennessee.  From 1969 to 1990, Mr. Sumja was the Chief Executive Officer of Lee, Jackson and Bowe Corporation placing attorneys and accountants with major firms.  From 1991-1999 he was a resident manager and Innkeeper at Glendeven Inn in California and also worked as a training supervisor for the California Department of Parks and Recreation.  Since moving to Kohala in 2000, Mr. Sumja has worked as a property manager, a community facilitator for Hawaii County Research and Development, and a countywide liaison for the Hawaii County Office on Aging. 

Mr. Sumja has been awarded the Shining Light Award for Contributions to Kupuna from the Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans, the Certificate of Appreciation for Service during time of conflict from Disabled American Veterans, and the Outstanding Older American Award from Hawaii County.  Mr. Sumja is also an ordained minister in the Universal Life Church.

     Testimony in support of Mr. Sumja indicates that he brings valuable insights on aging issues, has shown a sincere regard for the needs of the elderly, and has been a strong advocate for improving the quality of life of Hawaii's seniors.  As a current member of the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs, Mr. Sumja demonstrates his leadership abilities and commitment to our kupuna, and is both liked and respected by his colleagues.

     Your Committee finds that, based on the testimony submitted on his behalf and his knowledge and experience dealing with many aspects of senior citizens, Michael Barry Sumja has the experience, knowledge and other competencies to be a member of the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services 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.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services,

____________________________

SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair