STAND. COM. REP. NO. 877

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 279, 253

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 279 and 253, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Board of Acupuncture

G.M. No. 279	ULRIKE WEISS, for a term to expire 6-30-2013; and
G.M. No. 253	RANDALL M. HASHIMOTO, for a term to expire 6-30-2012,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Ms. Weiss from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and one private citizen.  Your Committee received testimony in support of Mr. Hashimoto from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.  Curricula vitae and personal statements were received from both nominees.  Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that the reappointment of Ulrike Weiss and the appointment of Randall M. Hashimoto to the Board of Acupuncture will enhance the effectiveness of the Board.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Weiss, the longest-standing member of the Board, possesses broad institutional knowledge and has earned the respect and confidence of her fellow members.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Hashimoto, who currently serves as an interim appointee to the Board, has successfully drawn on his past experience serving on the Board of Professional Engineers, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects to share valuable insights that have assisted the Board in its discussion and decision-making.  Your Committee further finds that both nominees have been appointed based on their credentials, experience, and commitment to public service.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection 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 and Consumer Protection,

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair