STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1359

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 669

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 669, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Board of Directors of the Hawai'i Hurricane Relief Fund

G.M. No. 669

STEPHEN M. TANNENBAUM, for a term to expire 6-30-2013,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal statement and curriculum vitae submitted by the nominee and finds Stephen M. Tannenbaum to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Board of Directors of the Hawai‘i Hurricane Relief Fund.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Stephen M. Tannenbaum from the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and four private individuals.

     Your Committee finds that this nominee has over fifteen years of experience as a litigator including experience with securities, financial, insurance, real estate, regulatory compliance, and energy industry matters.  Your Committee also finds that this nominee has demonstrated a commitment to public service by undertaking pro bono representation to:

     (1)  Secure better treatment and conditions for minor wards at the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility and address specific complaints of institutional abuse and discrimination;

     (2)  Ensure that homeless public school children receive the benefits and services to which they are entitled under federal law;

     (3)  Achieve equality of civil rights for same-sex couples;

     (4)  Promote immigrant rights and obtain asylum for Chinese and Tibetan dissident refugees; and

     (5)  Preserve the continued use of public space in Kapiolani Park for local artists and artisans.

     Your Committee further finds that this nominee's record of achievement in the legal field, expertise in economic and insurance matters, and strong commitment to public service qualify him to serve on the Board of Directors of the Hawai‘i Hurricane Relief Fund.

     Your Committee finds that Stephen M. Tannenbaum has been nominated for appointment to the Board of Directors of the Hawai‘i Hurricane Relief Fund based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection 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 Commerce and Consumer Protection,

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair