Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 313, 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 Stephen G. Chong, Wayne S. Higaki, Robert T. Ogawa, and Rose Ann Poyzer have the necessary character, experience, and qualifications to serve on the Statewide Health Coordinating Council.

Your Committee received testimony from the State Health Planning and Development Agency in support of the nominees.

Stephen G. Chong holds a Master's degree in Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Washington. Mr. Chong is presently serving as a System Management Specialist and has served in various capacities with St. Francis Healthcare System, Kapiolani Health System, and Hawaii Medical Services Association. He is an active community volunteer with the Friends of Cancer Center Board, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the State Health Planning and Development Agency.

Wayne S. Higaki holds an Associate of Science degree and presently serves as Director of Projects and Business Development with North Hawaii Community Hospital. Mr. Higaki also serves on the State Health Planning and Development Agency's advisory committee for the County of Hawaii.

Robert T. Ogawa holds a Bachelor's degree in Literary Writing from the University of Hawaii and presently serves as a government relations consultant. Mr. Ogawa has served on the staff of U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka, during his terms as Senator and Congressman. He is an active community volunteer with the Hawaii Long Term Care Association, the Assisted Living Federation of American, and the State Assisted Living Working Group, among many others. Testimony in support of Mr. Ogawa was received from Arcadia Retirement Residence, Hawaii Long Term Care Association, and Kaiser Permanente.

Rose Ann Poyzer holds a Master's degree in Public Health from Catholic University in Washington D.C., and a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from College of St. Catherine in St. Paul Minnesota. Ms. Poyzer presently serves as Vice President for the Home Care and Hospice Division of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and previously served as Executive Director of Hawaii Association for Home Care and as a public health nurse. She is an active community volunteer with the Waikiki Health Center, American Cancer Society's Patient Services Committee, and the Advisory Council to the University of Hawaii's School of Nursing, among many others.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services 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.