Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, and 205, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, résumés, and statements submitted by the nominees, and finds the nominees to have the necessary qualifications to be appointed to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs (PABEA).

Your Committee received testimony in support of ARCHIE HAPAI, III from the State Executive Office on Aging. Mr. Hapai was born and raised in Hawaii and has over twenty years experience as a small business owner in a diverse array of fields including life insurance, prepaid legal services, and property management. Mr. Hapai's interest in serving on the Policy Advisory Board For Elder Affairs stems from his desire to work with the community in addressing the difficult and complex issues surrounding the "Death with Dignity" debate as well as the adequacy, type, and payment of long term care services. Mr. Hapai's background in insurance will provide a much needed business perspective regarding long term care financing and insurance issues.

Your Committee received testimony in support of JAMES Y.T. KAM from the State Executive Office on Aging. Mr. Kam was born and raised in Hawaii. He received a BA degree in sociology from the University of California at Berkeley. Throughout his life, Mr. Kam has demonstrated a dedication to public service. Mr. Kam first worked as a Recreation Leader for the Department of Parks and Recreation before transferring to the Liquor Commission where he served as the supervisor of the licensing division until his retirement in 1997. Mr. Kam's interest in serving as a member of the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs stems from his desire to address the various issues relating to health care and long term care insurance that will become more important as Hawaii's population ages.

Your Committee received testimony in support of LAURA E. MILLMAN from the State Executive Office on Aging and five individuals. Ms. Millman has extensive experience in the hotel industry working in a variety of positions for Sheraton Hotels in Hawaii. Ms. Millman's work experience has made her aware of the financial difficulties faced by many of Hawaii's working people in securing affordable health insurance and adequate senior housing. Further, Ms. Millman has expressed an interest in addressing the inequities and potential fraud in the state Medicaid system.

Your Committee received testimony in support of CHARLENE SUMIDA from the State Executive Office on Aging; Transamerica Insurance and Investment Group; National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Honolulu; and four individuals. Ms. Sumida was born and raised in Hawaii and graduated with high honors from the University of Hawaii. Ms. Sumida has worked as a financial advisor for Occidental Underwriters of Hawaii for the past seventeen years specializing in retirement planning with an emphasis on planning for long-term care needs. From personal experience as well as through her work as a financial planner, Ms. Sumida is aware of both the financial as well as emotional aspects associated with family members growing older. Ms. Sumida's financial planning background has proven to be an asset to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs that she has served on as an interim appointee since last year.

Your Committee received testimony in support of DANIEL VARGAS from the State Executive Office on Aging. Mr. Vargas has served as the President, Senior Rabbi, or Pastor for various religious organizations. In these capacities, Mr. Vargas has served as a spiritual counselor and mentor for countless individuals. This experience will bring a unique perspective to the work and in the recommendations made by the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs on a diverse array of issues such as health care and elder care.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, 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.