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. 304, 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 Karen Ing Hu, David R. Breese, Dennis N. Ishimoto, Gayle Chang, and Stuart C. Lau have the necessary character, experience, and qualifications to serve on the Board of Dental Examiners.

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs testified in support of the nomination of Dr. Ishimoto.

Dr. Karen Ing Hu holds a doctor of dental surgery degree from the University of Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Hu has been practicing dentistry since 1978 and is presently the Dental Health Program Manager for the State's Dental Health Division. Dr. Hu has also operated a private dental practice and worked as a dental consultant for a health maintenance organization.

Dr. David R. Breese earned a dentistry degree from Loyola University. He has served as a dentist in the United States Navy and as Dental Director at Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services since 1979. In the latter capacity, Dr. Breese has worked towards developing programs in other community health centers and in the Kalihi schools.

Dr. Dennis N. Ishimoto graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry. He served in the United States Army Dental Corps for two years and has been in private dental practice since 1973. Dr. Ishimoto has served on the Board of Dental Examiners for the last four years.

Ms. Gayle Chang holds a diploma in dental hygiene from Northwestern University Dental School and has been licensed as a dental hygienist in Hawaii since 1976. In addition to working as a dental hygienist, Ms. Chang has managed dental offices and conducted audits of dental provider records for a health plan. The nominee has been recognized by the Hawaii Dental Hygienists Association for her service to the organization and the profession.

Mr. Stuart C. Lau has a master's degree in business administration from the University of Southern California and holds an active Hawaii real estate license. His professional activities have been in the areas of property development and commercial building and landscape maintenance. Mr. Lau currently serves as project manager for the Queen Emma Foundation.

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.