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 No. 343, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the Hawaii Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association testified in support of the nomination of Dr. Gilbert Perry Hager.

GILBERT PERRY HAGER has been a licensed physician in Hawaii since 1989, and has served on the Board of Physical Therapy as its physician member since 2003. Physical medicine and rehabilitation are Dr. Hager's specialty areas, and this expertise furthers consumer protection as it relates to the practice of physical therapy. Dr. Hager's insights into the role that physical therapists play in the treatment of patients have been especially helpful as the Board considers rule amendments to permit direct patient access to physical therapy treatment.

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 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.