Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 276, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Upon review of the testimony and written statements submitted by the nominees, your Committee finds that the nominees have the necessary character, experience, and qualifications to serve on the State Board of Nursing ("Board").

Testimony supporting the nomination of all four nominees, was received from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Stephen A. Kula is currently President of Hospice Hawaii, Inc. He received Bachelor of Science and Master's of Science degrees from Colorado State University and his Ph.D. from Kennedy Western University. His community and professional affiliations include Hawaii Association for Home Care, Hawaii State Hospice Network, Honolulu Subarea Health Planning Council, and the Queen's Medical Center Cancer Institute. Mr. Kula has actively and productively served as a member of the State Board of Nursing since August 11, 2000.

Benjamin Mercado honorably served as a member of the Board for two terms ending in 1996. He is a licensed practical nurse currently working at the Department of Health – Public Health Nursing in Windward, Oahu.

Mary Frances Oneha has been in nursing for over twenty years. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Hawaii, a Masters in Nursing from the University of Washington, and a Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Currently, Ms. Oneha serves as the Director of Case Management/Utilization at the Waianae Cost Comprehensive Health Center. Testimony supporting the nomination of Mary Frances Oneha, Ph.D., was received from three individuals.

Barbara Ann Tanner possesses a wealth of nursing and medical experience. She currently is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Colorado, a Pediatric Nursing Certificate and Masters of Science in Parent/Child Nursing from the University of Hawaii. Since 1965, she has worked as a nurse in various capacities, including working as a surgical floor registered nurse, nurse evaluator, and Department of Health public health nurse. She is very active in the community and contributes her time and nursing experience to various organizations. Testimony supporting the nomination of Barbara Ann Tanner, R.N., was received from one individual.

Based upon the foregoing and the testimony submitted by the nominees, your Committee finds that the nominees have been appointed based upon their credentials, integrity, and a desire to improve the health and well-being of Hawaii's residents through their service on the Board.

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