STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3481

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 886

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 886, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Board of Directors of the Hawai'i Public Housing Authority

G.M. No. 886

DESIREE KIHANO, for a term to expire 6-30-2013,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Desiree Kihano 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 Ms. Kihano from the Department of Human Services, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, and Palolo Community Council.

     Ms. Kihano is currently serving as the interim resident representative to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority Board of Directors, a position she has held since October 2011.  She has been a public housing resident since 1985 and was an active member of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority Resident Advisory Board and a Hawaii Public Housing Authority Grievance Hearing Officer prior to joining the Board of Directors.

     Testimony received by your Committee indicates that Ms. Kihano provides a dedicated, caring voice for public housing residents and is committed to the work that the Authority does for and on behalf of those residents.  Ms. Kihano indicated in her personal statement that her primary responsibility as a member of the Board is to hold public housing residents and the Authority accountable for their respective responsibilities to ensure the fair treatment of public housing residents.  During her tenure, she hopes to bring together stakeholders, such as residents, the Authority, and lawmakers, to address how best to return public housing to its original purpose--to help people.

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Kihano has valuable insights into the needs and concerns of the residents of public housing complexes.  Her insight on how proposed policies might affect residents will assist the Board as it makes decisions for the greater good.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Kihano's continued service in the capacity of a member on the Hawaii Public Housing Authority Board of Directors is vital to furthering the mission and success of the agency.

     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