STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1366

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 678, 679, 680, 681

 

 

 

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 678, 679, 680, and 681, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Hawai'i Medical Board

 

G.M. No. 678

GERARD K. AKAKA,

for a term to expire 6-30-2015;

 

G.M. No. 679

SHARON BINTLIFF,

for a term to expire 6-30-2015;

 

G.M. No. 680

PETER C. CHIN,

for a term to expire 6-30-2015; and

 

G.M. No. 681

PALASI PULETASI,

for a term to expire 6-30-2015,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal statements and curriculum vitae received from Gerard K. Akaka and Sharon Bintliff, the curriculum vita received from Peter C. Chin, and the personal statement and resume received from Palasi Puletasi and finds the nominees to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Hawai‘i Medical Board.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Gerard K. Akaka from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Papa Ola Lokahi, and four private individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that this nominee has practiced as a licensed physician for almost twenty years, serving in clinical, academic, military, and supervisory capacities.  Your Committee further finds that this nominee has been recognized by his peers for excellence within his profession as the recipient of The Queen's Medical Center's Outstanding Physician of the Year award for 2004, the Internal Medicine Residency Program of The Queen Emma Clinics' Excellence in Teaching Award for 2002-2003, and the University of Hawaii Ambulatory Medicine Transitional Residency Program's Award for Excellence in Teaching for 2003-2004.  Your Committee notes that in his current position as Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at The Queen's Medical Center and in his former position as Medical Director of Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, this nominee has become familiar with the laws and regulations that govern patient safety and quality of medical care in this State.  Your Committee further notes that in his capacity as Medical Director of The Queen's Health System's Native Hawaiian Health Program, this nominee has gained first-hand experience that will allow him to contribute an important perspective to the Hawai‘i Medical Board.  Finally, your Committee finds that this nominee has demonstrated a commitment to public service through his work as a teacher and in community health centers. 

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Sharon Bintliff from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that this nominee has practiced medicine in this State as an academic as well as in clinical and community practice for almost fifty years.  Your Committee further finds that this nominee has served in various positions including Medical Director of Hale Ho‘ola Hamakua Hospital, Medical Director of the Emergency Department of Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, Medical Director of Waimano Training School and Hospital, and Director of the Pediatric Birth Defects Center at the University of Hawaii that have allowed her to develop a first-hand understanding of the laws and rules that regulate the practice of medicine in Hawaii.  Your Committee notes that this nominee has served her profession and community as past President and committee member of the Hawaii Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, and as a member of the Board of Directors of North Hawaii Women and Children's Services and Planned Parenthood of Hawaii.  Your Committee also finds that this nominee has extensive experience with the State's regulatory and public policy systems, having served as a board member of the Hawaii State Ethics Commission, a member of the Governor's State Planning Council of Disabilities, a member of the Governor's Commission on Children and Youth, and a delegate to the White House Conference on Families.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for reappointment of Peter C. Chin from the Hawai‘i Medical Board.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that this nominee has practiced as a licensed physician for over twenty years, including clinical and academic practice in emergency medicine and anesthesiology.  Your Committee notes that in his current term of service on the Hawaii Medical Board, this nominee has been a reliable member who has offered guidance to the Board on issues ranging from physician sanctions to inquiries regarding major surgery.  Your Committee further finds that this nominee has demonstrated a commitment to maintaining high standards in his profession through service on the Physician Peer Review Committee of Hawaii Medical Association and the Credentials Committee of Maui Memorial Medical Center.  Your Committee finally finds that this nominee's background and professional expertise have given him a unique perspective that allows him to contribute necessary information to the Board's discussions and decision-making.  Your Committee finally finds that this nominee's contributions throughout his current term have made him an asset to the Hawai‘i Medical Board.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Palasi Puletasi as a public member of the Hawai‘i Medical Board from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and one private individual.

 

     Your Committee finds that this nominee had a distinguished career in federal law enforcement as a special agent for seventeen years with the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security.  Your Committee further finds that in that capacity, as well as in his education in law and criminal justice, this nominee developed first-hand knowledge of the legal and regulatory systems of the state and federal governments.  Your Committee also finds that this nominee has demonstrated a strong commitment to community and public service through service in various capacities including as Vice Chair and Precinct President for his voting district, Vice President and member of the Board of Directors for Hawaii Civil Air Patrol, various positions in electoral campaigns, member of the Executive Board of Samoan Chiefs and Orators, and youth soccer coach.  Your Committee notes that this nominee has first-hand experience as a consumer of health care services as a disabled person diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome.  Your Committee notes that this nominee has expressed that his diagnosis and experience with the health care system have led him to become an advocate for patients' rights to access adequate, safe, and efficient health care.  Your Committee finds that this nominee's objective knowledge as well as his personal experience will allow him to effectively represent the interests of the public on the Hawai‘i Medical Board.

 

     Your Committee finds that Gerard K. Akaka, Sharon Bintliff, Peter C. Chin, and Palasi Puletasi have been nominated to the Hawaii Medical Board based on their knowledge, 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