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. 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, and 273, 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 position of nomination.

Your Committee received testimony in support of BARBARA ARASHIRO from the Department of Health and the Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii (HCDCH). Ms. Arashiro holds a BBA degree in Marketing and is presently the section administrator for the HCDCH, Resident Services. Ms. Arashiro was also a Special Homeless Programs Coordinator with HCDCH.

Your Committee received testimony in support of GARY L. BLAICH from the Department of Health. Dr. Blaich holds an MD degree and is board certified in neurology and psychiatry. Dr. Blaich has worked with persons with co-occurring substance related and mental disorders at the Hawaii State Hospital and the Diamond Head Community Mental Health Center. Dr. Blaich is also an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii. Dr. Blaich would serve as the Council's representative to the Drug Abuse and Controlled Substance Advisory Committee.

Your Committee received testimony in support of WILLIAM S. BUD BOWLES from the Department of Health. Mr. Bowles holds a BBA degree and presently serves as the Director of United Self-Help, a consumer-run advocacy and empowerment organization for persons with severe and persistent mental illness.

Your Committee received testimony in support of SHELLY H. OGATA from the Department of Health. Ms. Ogata holds BSN and MPH degrees and presently serves as a school health nurse. Ms. Ogata is active in her community through her participation as a board member for Hawaii Families as Allies, East Hawaii Nutrition and Physical Activity Coalition, and East Hawaii Tobacco Free Coalition.

Your Committee received testimony in support of HALIMAH SHABAZZ from the Department of Health. Ms. Shabazz holds an MA degree in Early Childhood Education Administration and is the parent of 9-year old twins who receive mental health services via the Felix Decree. Ms. Shabazz received the Mahalo Award for environmental service and the Governor's Kilohana Award for Outstanding Volunteerism.

Your Committee received testimony in support of POE POE SUAAVA III from the Department of Health. Dr. Suaava holds a BA, M.Ed., and Ph.D. degrees and is presently a school counselor at Waianae High School. Dr. Suaava has served as a member of the Council for the past three years and has expertise in implementing school-based behavioral health.

Your Committee received testimony in support of WAYNE SUNAHARA from the Department of Health, Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Blind of the Department of Human Services, and from Patti Shirakawa, Ph.D. Mr. Sunahara holds a BS and M.Ed. degree and is presently a Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor with the Department of Human Services. Mr. Sunahara is a member of the National Rehabilitation Association, the Rehabilitation Association of Hawaii, and does community service through the Boys and Girls Club of Honolulu and Kuakini Medical Center.

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.