STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1530

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 552

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 552, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Commission on Fatherhood

G.M. No. 552

CLAUD ROBERT SUTCLIFFE, for a term to expire 6-30-2011,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statements submitted by the nominee, and finds Claud Robert Sutcliffe to have the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Commission on Fatherhood.

Testimony in support of the nomination was submitted by the Department of Human Services, the State Commission on Fatherhood, and four individuals.  Written testimony presented to your Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

     Mr. Sutcliffe received his Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Pomona College and his Master's degree and Doctor of Philosophy in Politics and Near Eastern Studies from Princeton University.  He is presently employed as the Executive Director of the Mediation Center of Molokai.  Mr. Sutcliffe satisfies the requirement that a member represent Maui County. 

     The Mediation Center of Molokai has developed the most comprehensive program of domestic violence prevention education in the State, and Mr. Sutcliffe teaches several classes and workshops for children and adults.  As the coordinator of the Molokai Fathering Initiative, he has worked with high-risk fathers both in support groups and one-on-one mentoring.  Mr. Sutcliffe is a father of four adult children and is committed to being the best father he can be.  He is a skilled mediator, who can quickly find solutions to issues and defuse tense situations with humor.  He is actively involved in the community, as Secretary of Molokai Habitat for Humanity, a leader of Molokai Occupational Center, Secretary of Molokai Affordable Homes, and a member of Hui Hoopakele Aina.  Mr. Sutcliffe's experience as a mediator, teacher, and grant writer will be an asset to the Commission on Fatherhood.

     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