STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1059

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 537, 538, 539

 

 

 

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 537, 538, and 539, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Real Estate Commission

 

G.M. No. 537

ROWENA COBB,

for a term to expire 6-30-2015;

 

G.M. No. 538

NIKKI SENTER,

for a term to expire 6-30-2015 (Term amended to 6-30-2014 by GM575); and

 

G.M. No. 539

AILEEN WADA,

for a term to expire 6-30-2015,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

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

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Rowena Cobb from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hawaii Association of REALTORS, and eight private individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that this nominee has extensive experience in several facets of the real estate industry which qualifies her for appointment to the Real Estate Commission.  Your Committee notes that this nominee has long been involved in service to her profession as a member of the Executive Board of the Kauai Board of Realtors, and Chair of the Government Affairs Committee and Standards and Forms Committee of the Hawaii Association of REALTORS.  Your Committee further notes that in her positions chairing committees of the Hawaii Association of REALTORS, the nominee has had the opportunity to work closely with policymakers and regulators and to gain experience with and insight into the State's regulatory system.  Your Committee also finds that this nominee's professional experience will enable her to share her perspective as a first-hand practitioner and a policy leader in the profession.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Nikki Senter from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and nineteen private individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that this nominee's professional experience in real estate law qualifies her to serve effectively on the Real Estate Commission.  Your Committee notes that, in addition to almost a decade in the practice of law, this nominee has served since 2008 as a Condominium Consultant to the Real Estate Commission and as a Certified Continuing Education Instructor to real estate licensees.  Your Committee also finds that this experience has allowed the nominee to work closely with the Real Estate Commission and to develop insight into the State's regulatory system from the perspective of a professional in the field and a regulator.  Your Committee further finds that this nominee's practical experience and enthusiasm for service will be an asset to the Real Estate Commission.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Aileen Wada from United States Senator Daniel K. Akaka; Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Hawaii Association of REALTORS; Prudential Locations, LLC; Herbert K. Horita Realty, Inc.; and fifteen private individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that this nominee has been a licensed real estate professional since 1978 and has been frequently recognized by her industry peers and clients for her outstanding professional performance.  Your Committee notes that this nominee's first-hand experience in the real estate industry will serve the Real Estate Commission well by providing a perspective on the real-world application of relevant laws and policies.  Your Committee also notes that testimony submitted in support of this nominee by her colleagues and clients spoke unanimously of her strong ethics, integrity, and excellent professional reputation.  Your Committee further finds that this nominee's deep professional knowledge and personal character will allow her to serve the Real Estate Commission effectively and to the benefit of the State.

 

     Your Committee finds that Rowena Cobb, Nikki Senter, and Aileen Wada have been nominated for appointment to the Real Estate Commission based on their knowledge, experience, and commitment 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