STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1650

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 683, 728

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2013

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Judiciary and Labor, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 683 and 728, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Commission on the Status of Women

G.M. No. 683	JUDY KERN, for a term to expire 6-30-2017; and
G.M. No. 728	MARILYN LEE, for a term to expire 6-30-2017,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements of by the nominees and finds Judy Kern and Marilyn Lee to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to serve on the Commission on the Status of Women.

JUDY KERN

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Judy Kern from the Department of Human Services, Commission on the Status of Women, and seven individuals.

     Ms. Kern earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Lewis and Clark College.  She currently serves as an Education and Training Coordinator for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Branch of the Department of Health where her major responsibilities include the development and implementation of public health preparedness activities to achieve U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grant performance measures in Community Preparedness and Public Information and Warning.  She also coordinates the Department's workforce training in the Incident Command System and compliance with the National Incident Management System.  She previously served at the Department of Health as a Public Information Specialist at the Communications Office and Program Specialist at the Executive Office on Aging.  Prior to working at the Department of Health, she served as the Deputy Director of Lanakila Meals on Wheels.

     Ms. Kern is an active volunteer with various community organizations.  She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Mohala Farms.  She previously served on the boards of Planned Parenthood of Hawaii, Hawaii People's Fund, and American Friends Service Committee.

     Testimony in support of Ms. Kern's nomination indicates that she is passionate about human rights and has a deep understanding of local, national, and global issues related to social justice.  Her professional skills and experience at the Department of Health and Lanakila Meals on Wheels coupled with her strong commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls will help the Commission to fulfill its mandate to strengthen the role of women and promote the interests of girls residing in Hawaii.

MARILYN LEE

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Marilyn Lee from the Department of Human Services, Commission on the Status of Women, Sex Abuse Treatment Center, Hawaii Laborers' Union, and five individuals.  One individual submitted comments regarding the nomination.

     Ms. Lee is a graduate of Syracuse University School of Nursing and worked as a nurse for almost forty years.  She began her nursing career in the United States Navy where she attained the rank of full Lieutenant.  For twenty-five years, she was employed at Wahiawa General Hospital where she served as the Manager of the Medical Surgical Unit and Nursing Supervisor.  In 1995, she wrote and defended a certificate of need to establish the Wahiawa General Hospital Home Health Agency.

     Ms. Lee served on the Neighborhood Board No. 25 for ten years and served as its Chairperson for four years.  She currently serves on the Mililani Mauka Neighborhood Board No. 35 as the representative for the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu.

     Ms. Lee was elected to the Hawaii State House of Representatives in 1996 representing House District 36 for sixteen years.  During her tenure at the State House of Representatives, she served multiple positions, including the Co-Chairperson of the Women's Legislative Caucus, Co-Chairperson of the Kupuna Caucus, Majority Floor Leader and Whip, Vice-Chairperson of the House Committee on Finance, and a member of several other House standing committees.

     Ms. Lee has extensive community involvement including serving as a member of the Mililani Lions Club, charter member and member of the Board of Friends of the Mililani Public Library, and President and originator of the Central Oahu Caregiver Support Group.  Her community activities also include Mililani Drug Free, Central Oahu Soroptimists, and American Cancer Society.  For over ten years, she produced and directed "Kukui Connection", a television show on Olelo with a focus on political, community, and cultural and arts issues.

     Testimony in support of Ms. Lee's nomination indicates she has extensive experience in advocating for the women and girls of Hawaii.  As a former State House Representative, she tirelessly advocated for policies to benefit Hawaii's women, girls, and working families.  Her skills as an administrator, educator, and nurse coupled with her strong commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls will help the Commission to fulfill its mandate to strengthen the role of women and promote the interests of girls residing in Hawaii.

     Accordingly, based on the testimony submitted, your Committee finds that Judy Kern and Marilyn Lee are exceptionally qualified to serve on the Commission on the Status of Women.  The nominees' professional experience will serve the Commission and public well.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary and Labor 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 Judiciary and Labor,

____________________________

CLAYTON HEE, Chair