STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1865

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 660, 661

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. 660 and 661, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Board of Veterinary Examiners

G.M. No. 660	ELWOOD ICHIRO KITA, for a term to expire 6-30-2010; and
G.M. No. 661	REBECCA H. RHOADES, D.V.M., for a term to expire 6-30-2009,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Upon review of the background information submitted by the nominee, Elwood Ichiro Kita, your Committee finds that Mr. Kita is a graduate of the University of Hawai‘i with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Masters of Social Work.  He is currently a social worker in private practice and previously worked as a social worker for the Department of Health in Hilo, Hawai‘i.  He is active in numerous community organizations, ranging from working with the Hawai‘i Island Rural Health Association, Inc., to volunteering with the Peanut Butter Ministry.

     Testimony in support of Mr. Kita was submitted by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and three individuals.

     Your Committee finds that Mr. Kita's unique background and dedication to public service will provide a fresh perspective to the Board of Veterinary Examiners.

     Upon review of the background information submitted by the nominee, Rebecca H. Rhoades, D.V.M., your Committee finds that Dr. Rhoades is the executive director of the Kaua‘i Humane Society.  Prior to her work at the Kaua‘i Humane Society, Dr. Rhoades was a consultant to the Humane Society of the United States in Washington, D.C. and has numerous years of experience as a veterinarian at other animal care clinics and shelters.   Dr. Rhoades is active in various professional associations, including being a board member of the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators and the vice president of the Dog Fanciers of Kaua‘i.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Dr. Rhoades from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Chairman of the Kaua‘i County Council, and five individuals.

     Your Committee finds that Dr. Rhodes' many years of experience and her dedication and commitment to the field of veterinary sciences will make her a key component of the Board of Veterinary Examiners.

     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 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.

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

____________________________

BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair