STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2232

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 710

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 710, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Commission on the Status of Women

G.M. No. 710

TERRI MOTOSUE, for a term to expire 06-30-2023,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Terri Motosue to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated for appointment to the Hawai‘i State Commission on the Status of Women.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Terri Motosue from the Hawai‘i State Commission on the Status of Women, SanHi Government Strategies, O‘ahu County Committee of the O‘ahu County Democrats, Child & Family Service, and nine individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Motosue's experience as an attorney, expertise in issues impacting women and children, and dedication to public service qualify her to be nominated for appointment to the Hawai‘i State Commission on the Status of Women. Your Committee notes that Ms. Motosue has practiced law for over fifteen years, and is currently a partner at Ashford and Wriston. Your Committee further notes that prior to her current partnership, she was a partner at Yamamoto Caliboso from 2013 to 2017, and before that she was a managing partner at Carlsmith Ball, LLP, from 2004 to 2013. In addition, she has done extensive pro bono work in advocacy and education related to combatting trafficking of women and children, domestic violence, and child custody. Ms. Motosue has also collaborated with Legal Aid and the Domestic Violence Action Center to provide free legal training to lawyers with the goal of increasing the number of pro bono lawyers who can represent survivors of domestic violence. Your Committee also notes that Ms. Motosue has served on the board of directors of Child & Family Service since 2010. Your Committee finds that Ms. Motosue's extensive experience, familiarity with legal issues relating to women and children, and commitment to serving the community will be great assets to the Hawai‘i State Commission on the Status of Women.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary 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 Judiciary,

____________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair