SSCR3170

STAND. COM. REP. NO 3170

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 602, 603, 604

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

Madam:

Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 602, 603, and 604, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority

G.M. No. 602

MYOUNG OH,

for a term to expire 6-30-2018;

G.M. No. 603

SHERI TANAKA,

for a term to expire 6-30-2014; and

G.M. No. 604

SHERI TANAKA,

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 Myoung Oh and Sheri Tanaka to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.

MYOUNG OH

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Myoung Oh from the Department of Human Services, Hawaii Public Housing Authority Board of Directors, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Building Industry Association of Hawaii, and three individuals.

Mr. Oh has years of experience in public and community service. As the Director of Government Relations at the Hawaii Association of REALTORS and a Development Committee Member of the Hawaii Homeownership Center, he has direct knowledge of the realities of Hawaii's high-cost housing market as well as experience with families working to obtain their first home. Individuals who have worked with Mr. Oh professionally commend his professionalism, competency, and demonstrated leadership. One of Mr. Oh's goals for the Board is to improve public housing neighborhoods. He believes that taking pride in one's community and association helps to change people's attitudes about their neighborhood.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Oh has an impressive work ethic, strong sense of integrity, and a fresh perspective that contributes to developing sound and thoughtful policy decisions. He has also been participating in meetings of the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority over the past several months and has made positive contributions to discussions. Your Committee finds that Mr. Oh will continue to be a valuable asset to the Board.

SHERI TANAKA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Sheri Tanaka from the Department of Human Services; Hawaii Public Housing Authority Board of Directors; Hawaii Public Housing Authority; Halm's Enterprises, Inc.; Island Business Management LLC; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Kaimuki Ward; Takemoto and Shimozono LLC; and eight individuals.

Ms. Tanaka earned a Juris Doctorate from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. She is a licensed attorney in both Hawaii and California and has her Hawaii real estate license. Ms. Tanaka's background includes an impressive list of academic achievements as well as a demonstrated commitment to her community. She is often complemented for the smile and energy she brings to a room and is described as a clear thinker, diligent, forthright, and compassionate. Ms. Tanaka has established her own law firm and has used her corporate law and litigation experience to successfully help clients remain profitable and legally compliant while balancing the interests of all parties involved.

Your Committee finds that Ms. Tanaka's legal, journalism, and real estate background qualify her for appointment to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. Ms. Tanaka has valuable international experience and hopes to use her knowledge to bring a culturally sensitive perspective to Hawaii's housing issues. She believes that the community can significantly impact the lives of individual people, and that she will make a positive difference for Hawaii Public Housing Authority tenants by bringing people together to work toward a common goal.

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