STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1812

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 761, 762

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 761 and 762, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Real Estate Commission

G.M. No. 761	AUDREY ABE, for a term to expire 06-30-2025; and
G.M. No. 762	JENNIFER ANDREWS, for a term to expire 06-30-2025,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Audrey Abe and Jennifer Andrews for service on the Real Estate Commission.

AUDREY ABE

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Audrey Abe from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Abe's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify her for appointment to the Real Estate Commission as a licensee member. Your Committee notes that Ms. Abe has been a licensed real estate broker in Hawaii since 2020 and has owned Abe Consulting Group, LLC since 1992, which provides consulting services for real estate acquisitions. Ms. Abe is also a licensed certified public accountant and certified general appraiser. Ms. Abe has performed real estate appraisals for nearly thirty years, assisting clients such as the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the federal government, and major lending institutions. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Abe has served on a number of professional and community organizations, including the Aloha Stadium Authority, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, and Hawaii State Board of Taxation Review, and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of board members. Your Committee finds that Ms. Abe's diverse professional experience will offer a unique perspective to the Real Estate Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Abe be appointed to the Real Estate Commission based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

JENNIFER ANDREWS

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Jennifer Andrews from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Hawai‘i Association of REALTORS; Honolulu Board of REALTORS; SanHi Government Strategies; The Gentry Companies Locations, LLC; and First Hawaii Title Corporation.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Andrews' background, knowledge, and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Real Estate Commission as a licensee member. Your Committee notes that Ms. Andrews has been licensed as a real estate broker since 2005 and is currently a principal at Keller Williams Honolulu, where she directly supervises brokers, conducts training, and assists agents with contract review and negotiations. Prior to that, Ms. Andrews was a project sales agent for Gentry Homes, Ltd. and served in managerial positions at Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. Your Committee finds that Ms. Andrews has served as a member on a number of professional organizations, including the National Association of Realtors, City and County of Honolulu Real Property Tax Appeal Review Board, and Building Industry Association of Hawaii. Ms. Andrews has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in real estate will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Real Estate Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Andrews be appointed to the Real Estate Commission based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

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