SSCR3620

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3620

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 747, 772

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 747 and 772, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board Of Veterinary Examiners

G.M. No. 747

LEIANNE LEE LOY,

for a term to expire 06-30-2019; and

G.M. No. 772

ALICIA MALUAFITI,

for a term to expire 06-30-2018,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Leianne Lee Loy and Alicia Maluafiti to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Board of Veterinary Examiners.

LEIANNE LEE LOY

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Leianne Lee Loy from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Lee Loy's knowledge, background, and commitment to public service qualify her to be nominated for appointment to the Board of Veterinary Examiners as a licensee member. Your Committee notes that Dr. Lee Loy has been a licensed veterinarian in Hawaii for twenty years, is currently the Medical Director for the VCA University Animal Hospital, and frequently assists the Molokai Humane Society with relief work and population control through the Society's spay and neuter program. Dr. Lee Loy is also familiar with alternative forms of treatment as a certified veterinary acupuncturist and has expressed an interest in traditional Chinese veterinary medicine. Your Committee further finds that Dr. Lee Loy is active in her professional organizations, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association and Honolulu Veterinary Society, where she has held a variety of leadership positions, including serving as past President for both organizations and as an Alternate Delegate to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Your Committee further finds that Dr. Lee Loy has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and therefore recommends that Dr. Lee Loy be appointed to the Board of Veterinary Examiners based on her background, experience, and dedication to serving the community.

ALICIA MALUAFITI

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Alicia Maluafiti from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and twenty-three individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the appointment of Alicia Maluafiti from one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Maluafiti's background, commitment to public service, and dedication to animal welfare qualify her to be nominated for appointment to the Board of Veterinary Examiners as a public member. Your Committee notes that Ms. Maluafiti has more than twenty years of experience in community and government relations and is the owner of Lo‘ihi Communications. Ms. Maluafiti has been involved with animal rescue for more than two decades, and is the founder and former President of the Oahu Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; former Director of Community Relations of the Hawaiian Humane Society; and founder and President of Poi Dogs & Popoki, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for dogs and cats. Through her work with Poi Dogs & Popoki, Ms. Maluafiti works closely with veterinarians and veterinarian clinics to support the organization's mobile spay and neuter clinic and provide direct care to rescued animals. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Maluafiti has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and therefore recommends that Ms. Maluafiti be appointed to the Board of Veterinary Examiners based on her experience, commitment to serving the community, and passion for animals.

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

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair