STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1005

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 551

 

 

 

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 551, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority Board of Directors

 

G.M. No. 551

JASON T. ESPERO,

for a term to expire 6-30-2015,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Jason T. Espero to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Mr. Espero from the Department of Human Services; Hawaii Public Housing Authority; Oahu Filipino Community Council; Filipino Coalition for Solidarity; Hawaii Friends of Civil Rights; UNITE HERE! Local 5 Hawaii; Waikiki Health Center, Care-A-Van Program; and five individuals.

 

     Mr. Espero received a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and a Certificate of Professional Development from Kapiolani Community College.

 

     Mr. Espero's professional experience includes administering homeless shelters and programs, and supporting social services.  He is currently the Shelter Director for the Waikiki Health Center, and he has previously served as an Enumerator for the United States Census Bureau, Resident Assistant for the United States Veterans Initiative - Waianae, and Community/Political Organizing Intern for UNITE HERE! Local 5 Hawaii.

 

     Mr. Espero is also involved in the community as the Vice-Chair of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations and an active member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church.

 

     Your Committee finds that the Board of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority seeks directors with a variety of life experiences and professional expertise in order to effectively fulfill its role as a policy guide for the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.

 

     As evidenced by Mr. Espero's work history and involvement in community service, affordable housing, and human services, your Committee finds that Mr. Espero will be dedicated to the important work of the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.  Mr. Espero expressed through his personal statement that his desire to serve on the Board stems from his first-hand experiences dealing with the issues and concerns of current residents of or applicants for federal and state low-income housing.  His experience working with the homeless has given him particular experiences, knowledge, and insights into the hardships that persons with mental illnesses or physical disabilities face, which he hopes to carry over into his duties on the Board in assisting our most vulnerable individuals.

 

     Mr. Espero mentioned the need to expedite the rehabilitation of public housing units to enable the placement of more individuals.  He has suggested the use of public-private partnerships to rehabilitate these units and to better utilize existing public housing facilities to provide job training, language classes, and vocational rehabilitation.  Your Committee is confident that Mr. Espero's experience with private organizations, including nonprofits, will serve him well in achieving these solutions and making valuable contributions to the Board and those who depend upon the effective and expedient provision of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority's services.

 

     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