STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1832

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 379, 552

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Affordable Housing, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 379 and 552, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Board of Physical Therapy

G.M. No. 379	MICHAEL WARREN RUFINO, for a term to expire 6-30-2011; and
G.M. No. 552	MICHAEL WARREN RUFINO, for a term to expire 6-30-2007,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history of the nominee, Michael Warren Rufino, with regard to his nominations to fill a vacant position on the Board of Physical Therapy, as well as to serve a full four-year term on the Board of Physical Therapy.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Michael Warren Rufino from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. 

     Mr. Rufino is currently the owner and clinical director of Physical Impact Hawaii, which focuses on physical therapy and personal fitness.  Besides being a physical therapist, Mr. Rufino also has experience as an athletic trainer, health specialist, and exercise physiologist.  He has developed various health education programs and workshops and has been a clinical educator for entry-level post doctorate physical therapy students.  Mr. Rufino's wealth of experience and knowledge will make him an excellent addition to the Board of Physical Therapy.

     Your Committee notes that Mr. Rufino's nominations will allow him to fill a vacant position on the Board of Physical Therapy, the term for which expires on June 30, 2007, as well as to serve a full four-year term to expire on June 30, 2011.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Affordable Housing that are 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 nominations.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Affordable Housing,

____________________________

BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair