SSCR486

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 486

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 302, 424, 425, 426

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Madam:

Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 302, 424, 425, and 426, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs (PABEA)

G.M. No. 302	GARY SIMON, for a term to expire 6-30-2013;
G.M. No. 424	MARTIN E. ARTHUR II, for a term to expire 6-30-2013;
G.M. No. 425	PATRICK J. DUARTE, for a term to expire 6-30-2013; and
G.M. No. 426	GARY Y. FUJITANI, for a term to expire 6-30-2013,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees, and finds Gary Simon, Martin E. Arthur II, Patrick J. Duarte, and Gary Y. Fujitani to have the necessary qualifications to be nominated to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.

Testimony in support of the nomination of Mr. Simon was submitted by the Executive Office on Aging and six individuals.

Mr. Simon earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the University of Hawaii. He currently serves as the Administrative Director of St. Francis Hospice, Director of St. Francis Health Services for Senior Citizens, and Manager of the St. Francis Lifeline Program. He has previously served as Business Manager and Office Manager of St. Francis Hospice, and as the Executive Assistant and Office Manager of Focus Technologies, Inc., in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Simon has been a member of the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs (PABEA) since 2005. As a PABEA member, he has held several leadership positions, including First Vice Chair of PABEA, Chairman of the Plans and Projects Committee, and Chairman of the Legislative Committee. He has also been a member of the Executive, Rules and Bylaws, and Legislative Committees. Additionally, Mr. Simon has been a participant or representative in other organizations, such as the Aloha Council, Boy Scouts of America, Hawaii's Partnership for Appropriate and Compassionate Care, the Manoa Youth Baseball League, and the Hawaiian Islands Hospice Organization.

Mr. Simon has been described by testifiers as a tireless administrator who is committed, compassionate, hard-working, knowledgeable, and humble. He has proven to be a successful leader, encouraging his co-workers while making difficult business decisions that have led to growth of St. Francis Hospice and improved benefits for patients, families, and physicians.

Testimony in support of the nomination of Mr. Arthur was submitted by the Executive Office on Aging.

Mr. Arthur currently teaches adult education classes on basic computer skills and Microsoft applications at Kauai Community College. He has also worked as a radio broadcaster and manager of several radio stations, including KTOH, KNDI, KGU, KLEI, and KIVM. According to the Executive Office on Aging, Mr. Arthur is a caregiver who has worked with veterans and people with disabilities, and would bring valuable insights and a sincere regard for the needs of caregivers and the elderly, especially on the island of Kauai.

Testimony in support of the nomination of Mr. Duarte was submitted by the Executive Office on Aging.

Mr. Duarte earned a Master's in Business Administration from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Bachelor's in Economics from the University of Hawaii. He is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Kahala Senior Living Community, Inc., the operator of a non-profit continuing care retirement community. His previous work experience includes Senior Vice President of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, Senior Vice President of the Hawaii Dental Service, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific, and Management Analyst of Straub Clinic & Hospital, Inc.

Mr. Duarte has also been an active community member and volunteer. He has volunteered with Aloha United Way's Community Building Division for nearly twenty-five years. He has also been a Board member of the Health Care Association of Hawaii, the National Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, the State Health Planning and Development Agency, and Mental Health Kokua. Mr. Duarte's work and volunteer experience have given him a greater understanding of and insights into the issues of the elderly and their families.

Testimony in support of the nomination of Mr. Fujitani was submitted by the Executive Office on Aging.

Mr. Fujitani earned a Higher Accounting Degree with honors from Honolulu Business College. He is currently the Executive Director for the Hawaii Banking Association and is a retired Senior Vice President and Manager of the Business Services Division of First Hawaiian Bank. He was previously the Assistant Vice President of Investors Finance, Inc. and received recognition as one of the "Outstanding Young Men in America" in 1976.

In addition to providing leadership at work, Mr. Fujitani has served as Director, Officer, or President of organizations such as the Neighborhood Board No. 10, the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, Physician's Exchange, Hawaii Jaycees, and the Waikiki School Parent Teacher Association. Testimony by the Executive Office on Aging indicates that Mr. Fujitani understands the issues facing Hawaii's aging population and would provide valuable insights and a sincere regard for the needs of Hawaii's elderly and caregivers.

Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services 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 Human Services,

____________________________

SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair