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. 282, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

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

Lenhanh P. Tran is a physician specializing in otolaryngology at Tripler Army Medical Center. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of California at Davis and her Doctorate in Medicine from George Washington University. Ms. Tran is also an Assistant Professor at the University of Hawaii and the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland.

Ana A. Gamble is a Speech-Language Pathologist with the Department of Education. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders from Columbus College in Georgia and a Master of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University of Hawaii. In addition, Ms. Gamble actively participates in professional and community organizations including the Hawaii Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Hawaii Early Hearing Screening Project, and others.

Faye A.T. Matsunaga is an audiologist with the Department of Health. She earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University of Hawaii and California State University – Los Angeles, respectively. She previously served diligently on the Board until July 1, 1999. Her professional affiliations include the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and Hawaii Academy of Audiology. Testimony supporting Ms. Matsunaga's nomination was received from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Margaret K. Wada, a speech language pathologist, is a Supervisor with the Children with Special Needs Branch of the Department of Health. She earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University of Hawaii. Ms. Wada also is an instructor with the Speech Department at Honolulu Community College. Her professional affiliations include the American and Hawaii Speech Hearing Language Associations, Aloha State Association of the Deaf, Hawaii Services on Deafness, and Council for Exceptional Children. Testimony supporting Ms. Wada's nomination was received from two individuals.

Mona S. Takumi is an audiologist with Kaiser Permanente, Wailuku Clinic. She earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Hawaii. Her experience includes working as an audiologist at Tripler Army Medical Center and Kamehameha Schools and as a clinical supervisor at the University of Hawaii Speech and Hearing Clinic. Ms. Takumi's professional affiliations include the Hawaii Speech and Hearing Association and the American Academy of Audiology.

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 speech pathology and audiology services in the State and the general health and well-being of Hawaii 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.