STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3381

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 828

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 828, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Board of Directors of the Hawai'i Health Connector

G.M. No. 828

HARDY SPOEHR, for a term to expire 6-30-2015,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Hardy Spoehr to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Health Connector.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Hardy Spoehr from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Ke Ola Mamo, and one individual.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Spoehr's ties to the Native Hawaiian community, dedication to public service, and proven leadership abilities qualify him for appointment to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Health Connector.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Spoehr has been the Executive Director for Papa Ola Lokahi, the Native Hawaiian Health Board, for almost two decades, and is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians.  As Executive Director, Mr. Spoehr has partnered with numerous institutions to improve access to medical and preventative care, expanded the ranks of Native Hawaiian health professionals, encouraged Hawaii's Congressional representatives to continue supporting the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act, and supported the use of Native Hawaiian traditional healing practices.

     Your Committee further finds that Mr. Spoehr has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Health Connector, views the Connector's role as the next step for health care in the State, and believes the work of the Connector will be critical for everyone in Hawaii.  As a member representing a Native Hawaiian organization and consumer interests, Mr. Spoehr will bring a culturally sensitive perspective to the Board of Directors, and his ties to the Native Hawaiian community will ensure that vital information reaches members of the Native Hawaiian community who will benefit from the Hawaii Health Insurance Exchange.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection that is 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 nomination.

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

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair