Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 341 and 342, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Testimony in support of nominee Gary K. Saito was received from five individuals, including a doctor of acupuncture and members of various health professions. The Big Island Acupuncture Association and two individuals opposed the nomination of Gary K. Saito. A doctor of acupuncture submitted testimony in support of nominee Mike Hashimoto.

Dr. Gary K. Saito is a doctor of chiropractic in private practice. He also serves as clinic director for the Integrative Healthcare Department of The Honolulu Medical Group, managing the delivery of complementary and alternative medical services. Several statements in support of Dr. Saito's nomination referred to the nominee's competency, integrity, and ability to fairly and objectively represent the public interest.

Dr. Mike Hashimoto earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Acupuncture degree from the University of Oriental Studies and a Doctor of Chinese Medicine degree from The Research Center of Chinese Medicine. He holds a Hawaii acupuncture license, has practiced the profession in the State since 1972, and currently operates his own clinic. The nominee served as Dean of Academic Affairs for the Oriental Medical Institute of Hawaii from 1984 through 1992 and has published several articles on acupuncture. Dr. Hashimoto previously served on the Board of Acupuncture, most recently as its Chairperson from 1992 through 2000.

As affirmed by the records 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.