Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Housing, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 288 and 289, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of JON M. ISHIHARA from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the Hawaii Optometric Association. Your Committee also received testimony in support of the nomination of LEE TSUYOSHI NAKAMURA from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Dr. Ishihara was appointed to the Board of Examiners in Optometry in July 2002, and currently serves as its Chairperson. Dr. Ishihara brings a wealth of knowledge to the Board as he has worked in private group practice for eighteen years and has served as a past president of the Hawaii Optometric Association. As a Board member and Chairperson, he is committed to keeping the local industry informed about the Board's activities and current trends in the practice of optometry which fosters good working relationships between various stakeholders.

Mr. Nakamura was also appointed to the Board in July 2002, and serves as a public member on the Board. Mr. Nakamura is a practicing attorney with the firm of Tom Petrus & Miller, and provides a layperson's perspectives on issues considered by the Board. Your Committee finds that he is a diligent participant of the Board and serves as an important asset to the Board.

As affirmed by the record 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, 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.