GM 754

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1996

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 753, 754, 755

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 753, 754, and 755, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Real Estate Commission

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Audrey Abe, P Denise La Costa, and Jennifer Andrews for service on the Real Estate Commission.

AUDREY ABE

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Audrey Abe from the Real Estate Commission, Hawaii First Realty LLC, and three individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Abe's experience, background, and proven leadership on the Real Estate Commission (Commission) qualify her for reappointment to the Commission as a licensed real estate broker member from the City and County of Honolulu.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Abe has been licensed as a real estate broker in Hawaii since 2020 and is the Principal Broker of Abe Realty & Consulting, LLC.  Ms. Abe has been serving on the Commission since 2021, is currently Chairperson of the Commission's Education Review Committee, and has actively participated in the Commission's Ad Hoc Committee on Education.  Ms. Abe also previously served as a board member for the Aloha Stadium Authority, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, and Board of Taxation Review.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Abe's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Audrey Abe be reappointed to the Real Estate Commission based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

P DENISE LA COSTA

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of P Denise La Costa from the Real Estate Commission and Hawaii First Realty LLC.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. La Costa's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Real Estate Commission (Commission) qualify her for reappointment to the Commission as a licensed real estate broker member from Maui County.  Your Committee notes that Ms. La Costa has been licensed as a real estate broker in Hawaii since 2001 and has over thirty years of industry experience.  Ms. La Costa has also been a licensed real estate salesperson since 1992 and principal broker since 2004.  Ms. La Costa brings a wealth of experience in real estate transactions, representing buyers, sellers, lessees, and lessors with sales, listings, leasing, and management of all types of real estate, including residential and commercial real estate.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. La Costa has served on the Commission since 2021, currently serves as Vice Chairperson of the Commission's Condominium Review Committee, and her experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that P Denise La Costa be reappointed to the Real Estate Commission based on her background, knowledge, and dedication to public service.

JENNIFER ANDREWS

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Jennifer Andrews from the Real Estate Commission, Hawaii First Realty LLC, and one individual.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Andrews's knowledge, background and proven leadership on the Real Estate Commission (Commission) qualify her for reappointment to the Commission as a licensed real estate broker member from the City and County of Honolulu.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Andrews has been a licensed real estate broker in Hawaii since 2005.  Ms. Andrews has more than twenty-five years of experience in real estate as a salesperson, managing broker, and principal broker for some of the state's largest real estate firms and currently works for Gentry Homes, Ltd. as a Department of Hawaiian Home Lands sales manager.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Andrews has served on the Commission since 2021 and her active participation in the Commission's committees and her industry knowledge will continue to be assets to the Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Jennifer Andrews be reappointed to the Real Estate Commission based on her experience, knowledge, 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,