SSCR2901

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2901

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 535, 536

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

Madam:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 535 and 536, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Real Estate Commission

G.M. No. 535

ROWENA COBB,

for a term to expire 6-30-2018; and

G.M. No. 536

NIKKI SENTER,

for a term to expire 6-30-2018,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Rowena Cobb and Nikki Senter to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Real Estate Commission.

ROWENA COBB

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Rowena Cobb from the Real Estate Commission, Hawai‘i Association of REALTORS, and twelve individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Cobb's background, experience, and proven leadership on the Real Estate Commission qualify her for reappointment to the Real Estate Commission as a broker member representing Kauai County. Your Committee notes that Ms. Cobb has been the principal broker and owner of her company, Cobb Realty, on Kauai since 1982. Ms. Cobb is actively involved with her professional organizations, including serving as past President of the Kauai Board of REALTORS, Chairperson of the Hawaii Association of REALTORS Standard Forms Committee and Government Affairs Committee, and member of the Hawaii Association of REALTORS Education Committee. Ms. Cobb is also dedicated to public service and currently serves as Director of the Koloa Community Association and Treasurer of the Kauai Food Bank. Ms. Cobb has been a member of the Real Estate Commission since 2011, currently serves as a member of the Commission's Education Committee, and has a keen knowledge of the laws and rules that affect the Commission's work. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Cobb has been a dedicated member of the Real Estate Commission and recommends that she be reappointed to the Real Estate Commission based on her knowledge, extensive experience, and commitment to public service.

NIKKI SENTER

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Nikki Senter from the Real Estate Commission, Hawai‘i Association of REALTORS, and six individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Senter's background, experience, and proven leadership on the Real Estate Commission qualify her for reappointment to the Real Estate Commission as a public member. Your Committee notes that Ms. Senter has been a real estate development attorney in Hawaii for thirteen years, and her legal practice's emphasis on residential condominiums, condominium hotels, and subdivisions has been an asset to the Real Estate Commission. Ms. Senter has been a member of the Real Estate Commission since 2011, currently serves as its Chair, and has a thorough understanding of the laws and rules that affect the Commission's work. During her time as Chair of the Real Estate Commission, the Commission finalized the draft update of chapter 99, Hawaii Administrative Rules, relating to real estate brokers and salespersons, and formed a blue ribbon panel of practitioners and stakeholders to continue the rulemaking process for chapter 107, Hawaii Administrative Rules, relating to horizontal property regimes. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Senter has been a valuable member of the Real Estate Commission and recommends that she be reappointed to the Real Estate Commission based on her professional background, knowledge, and dedication to serving the public.

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

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair