STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1328

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 727, 728

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 Nos. 727 and 728, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs

G.M. No. 727	ABELINA SHAW, for a term to expire 6-30-2015; and
G.M. No. 728	BEVERLY JEAN WITHINGTON, for a term to expire 6-30-2012,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Abelina Shaw and Beverly Jean Withington to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Abelina Shaw from the Executive Office on Aging, Congress of Visayan Organizations, and one individual.

     Ms. Shaw earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law and a Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Hawaii.  Ms. Shaw is currently an attorney in private practice.  She has previous work experience with the City and County of Honolulu, including Chief of Staff to Mayor Jeremy Harris; Director of the Department of Community Services of the City and County of Honolulu; and First Deputy Corporation Counsel of the City and County of Honolulu.  Ms. Shaw has also served as the Deputy Director of Health, Special Assistant to Governor Ariyoshi, and Deputy Attorney General.

     Ms. Shaw has also served on various boards and community organizations, including the Kapiolani Hospital Health Foundation, Legacy Center of Hawaii, Mediation Center of the Pacific, and Hale Kipa.  She is currently the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Filipino Community Center.

     Testimony received by your Committee indicates that Ms. Shaw is hardworking, focused, and committed to her work.  She displays admirable leadership ability, is a dedicated volunteer, and demonstrates deep compassion for the elderly. 

     Ms. Shaw expressed through her personal statement that her desire to serve on the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs stems from her professional, legal, and personal interest in the programs and policies that promote and enhance the well-being of the elder population in Hawaii.  She had direct experience in programs and services relating to the elderly as Deputy Director of Health and Director of the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Community Services, and her past and current volunteer work touch on matters impacting the elderly.  She is confident that these collective experiences qualify her to provide community input on the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Shaw's extensive work and volunteer experience have given her a greater understanding of the issues faced by the elderly and their families.  Your Committee is confident Ms. Shaw will be an asset to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Beverly Jean Withington from the Executive Office on Aging and five individuals.

     Ms. Withington was employed as a Registered Nurse at Honokaa Hospital and Hilo Hospital before changing careers.  Ms. Withington earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law and spent the first part of her legal career with the Hawaii County Office of the Corporation Counsel, Family Support Division.  After her retirement from the County, Ms. Withington maintained a small private practice in family law.  She also served as the East Hawaii Field Representative for United States Representative Mazie K. Hirono until December 2010.  Ms. Withington has been involved in several community and professional organizations, including the Hawaii County Sub-area Health Counsel, the Board of Registration, and the Board of Directors for Hospice of Hilo.  She is currently a member of the Advisory Board for the University of Hawaii at Hilo School of Nursing.

     Testimony received by your Committee indicates that Ms. Withington is honest, responsible, and dependable.  Through her work, she is very familiar with the needs of seniors in Hawaii.  She is a caring individual who is deeply committed to community service.

     Ms. Withington expressed through her personal statement that she believes her responsibility as a member of the Board will be to remain current and informed of issues in the community relating to the quality for life for seniors.  Ms. Withington desires to be a positive voice for this population.  She feels it is important to examine the present needs and challenges that face the elderly in Hawaii, while also being mindful of the future.  As the population of the elderly in the State ages, their needs will continue to grow, and solutions to these issues must be addressed.

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Withington's past experiences in appointed positions in Hawaii, her work history, and various community service activities demonstrate her ability to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds in pursuit of a common goal.  Your Committee is confident that Ms. Withington's diverse skills and experience will make her a valuable asset to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.

     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