STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2821

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 630

 

 

 

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 630, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs

 

G.M. No. 630

BEVERLY JEAN WITHINGTON,

for a term to expire 6-30-2016,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Beverly Jean Withington to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Beverly Jean Withington from the Executive Office on Aging of the Department of Health and one individual.

 

     Ms. Withington resides in the County of Hawaii and is currently a practicing attorney.  She obtained her Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii and maintains a small, private law practice limited to family law that focuses primarily on representing parents and children in child protective services cases.

 

     Before Ms. Withington became an attorney, she worked as a registered nurse at Honokaa Hospital and Hilo Hospital.  Her legal and health care background afforded her the opportunities to work at the Hawaii County Office of the Corporation Counsel Family Support Division and to be appointed to serve on the Hawaii County Sub-area Health Counsel and Board of Registration.  She also served two terms on the Board of Directors of Hospice of Hilo and currently serves as a member of the Baccalaureate Nursing Program at the University of Hawaii at Hilo School of Nursing Advisory Board. 

 

     Ms. Withington expressed through her personal statement that she wishes to assist in building a strong and sustainable economy, investing in Hawaii's people, and creating stronger communities.  Her past and previous involvement in the community demonstrates her dedication, diverse skills, and informed background.

 

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Withington provides the Board with valuable knowledge, given her background in nursing and law, thus ensuring broader representation and perspectives on the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.  Her passion to make a positive contribution to Hawaii's community as demonstrated by her extensive volunteerism and public service will make her a valuable asset to the mission and work of the Board.

 

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

 

 

 

____________________________

SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair