STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3190

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 259

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 259, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Correctional Industries Advisory Committee

G.M. No. 259

DENISE J. JOHNSTON,

for a term to expire 6-30-2010,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the resume and statement submitted by the nominee, and finds the nominee to have the necessary qualifications to be appointed to the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee.

Your Committee received testimony in support of DENISE J. JOHNSTON from the Department of Public Safety and an individual.

Ms. Johnston studied criminal justice at Honolulu Community College and received a bachelor's of science degree in natural sciences from Clayton College of Natural Sciences. Ms. Johnston is currently pursuing her masters degree in natural science from Clayton College of Natural Sciences. Ms. Johnston has worked as an adult corrections officer since 1984 and is currently an Adult Corrections Officer V-Lieutenant at Oahu Community Corrections Center. Ms. Johnston has received various honors and letters of appreciation for her work in corrections.

Ms. Johnston presently serves, in an interim capacity, on the Correctional Industries Advisory Board. Ms. Johnston recognizes the importance of the productivity of the corrections industry, sees the potential for growth areas in the industry, and expresses a sincere interest in serving on the Council. Your Committee finds that Ms. Johnston is familiar with the goals and responsibilities of the Council and is well qualified for appointment.

Your Committee notes that there was some concern as to whether an active adult corrections officer could also serve as a member of the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee. The Attorney General has determined that the nominee, who is a Department of Public Safety Adult Corrections Officer lieutenant at the Oahu Community Correctional Center can serve as a member of the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee, as long as her responsibility, as stated in section 345D-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, continues to be only to advise the Department of Public Safety of the feasibility of establishing venture agreements with private sector business to utilize the services of qualified, able-bodied inmates and that her regular work assignments do not require her to interact with the Corrections Industries program or its Administrator.

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

____________________________

COLLEEN HANABUSA, Chair