STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3497

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 542, 543

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 542 and 543, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Real Estate Commission

G.M. No. 542	DERRICK YAMANE, for a term to expire 06-30-2023; and
G.M. No. 543	NIKKI SENTER, for a term to expire 06-30-2024,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Derrick Yamane and Nikki Senter for service on the Real Estate Commission.

Derrick Yamane

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Derrick Yamane from the Hawaii Real Estate Commission and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Yamane's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Hawaii Real Estate Commission as a broker member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Yamane has been a partner and real estate broker for Locations, LLC, the largest locally owned real estate company in Hawaii, since 1991 where he oversees and supervises over three hundred real estate agents and reviews and approves purchase contracts and listing agreements. During the nearly thirty‑year course of Mr. Yamane's career, he has gained broad experience and knowledge about the real estate industry and profession and the importance of consumer protection in real estate transactions. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Yamane has served as an interim member of the Hawaii Real Estate Commission since 2019 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Yamane be appointed to the Hawaii Real Estate Commission based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

Nikki Senter

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Nikki Senter from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Real Estate Commission, Associa Hawaii, and eleven individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Senter's background, knowledge, and prior experience on the Real Estate Commission qualify her for appointment to the Real Estate Commission as a public member. Your Committee notes that Ms. Senter has been practicing real estate and development law in Hawaii for nineteen years and is currently the senior assistant general counsel of real estate for The Howard Hughes Corporation. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Senter previously served on the Real Estate Commission for seven years and was Chair during her second term. In addition to her prior service on the Real Estate Commission, Ms. Senter was a condominium consultant for the Commission and is actively engaged in her community, serving on a number of other boards and associations. Your Committee finds that Ms. Senter has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of members and that her professional and legal experience will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Real Estate Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Senter be appointed to the Real Estate Commission based on her experience, knowledge, and dedication to public service.

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

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair