Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 573, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee, and finds the nominee to have the necessary qualifications to be appointed to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.

Your Committee received testimony in support of GARY SIMON from the Executive Office on Aging, St. Francis Community Health Services, the Executive Director and the Bereavement Coordinator from St. Francis Hospice, the Director of St. Francis Home Care Services, STAT Medical, and one individual.

Mr. Simon earned a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Hawaii. He is presently the Director of St. Francis Hospice, a program of St. Francis Community Health Services. The program provides care, comfort, and support to the terminally ill and their loved ones in facing death with dignity and meaning. Mr. Simon has worked for St. Francis Hospice for fifteen years and is a former business manager and former office manager. His past experience also includes teaching chemistry, mathematics, and physics while serving on a Sierra Leone Ministry of Education for the United States Peace Corps. Mr. Simon's experience and perspective will be an asset to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.

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 nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.