Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Third Special Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 16, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Upon review of the testimony submitted by the nominee, your Committee finds that the nominee has the necessary character, experience, and qualifications to serve on the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts Commission (Commission).

Testimony in support of the nominee was submitted by the Department of Accounting and General Services, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Waikiki Improvement Association, The Contemporary Museum, Hawaii Theatre Center, Hawaii Alliance for Arts Education, a member of the Honolulu City Council, and six individuals.

Mona Abadir is a successful businessperson who has exhibited sincere passion for the arts in Hawaii. Ms. Abadir is one of three founders of Honu Group, Inc., which is a development and management company based in Honolulu, Hawaii, involved with various projects including the development of 2100 Kalakaua Avenue, 2121 Kuhio, and the management of King Kalakaua Plaza. After twenty-five years of professional experience, she is regarded as a well-respected and recognized leader in the retail, manufacturing, marketing, and development fields.

Ms. Abadir is also seriously involved with the arts in Hawaii. She contributes her time and resources to various arts organizations and events and holds leadership positions with The Contemporary Museum and Hawaii Theatre Center. She is also a member of the Hawaii Consortium of Arts, Academy of Arts, Bishop Museum, Kumu Kahua Theatre, Honolulu Print Makers, and the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco.

Your Committee finds that the nominee has been appointed based upon her credentials, experience, and commitment to supporting and nurturing the arts in Hawaii.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, character, 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.