STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1312

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 510

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 510, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Health Planning Council, Hawai'i County Subarea

G.M. No. 510

MOMI FERNANDEZ, for a term to expire 06-30-2020,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Momi Fernandez to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Health Planning Council, Hawai‘i County Subarea.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Momi Fernandez from the State Health Planning and Development Agency and one individual.

     Prior to retirement, Ms. Fernandez served as the Director of the Census Information Center of Papa Ola Lokahi, where she was awarded the Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Achievement on multiple occasions.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Fernandez also served as Project Manager for several initiatives by the United States Census Bureau, National Library of Medicine, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice.  In addition to extensive leadership experience related to data and data resources, Ms. Fernandez's background demonstrates knowledge of the delivery of health services, health services shortage areas, and cultural sensitivities within the health delivery system.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Fernandez is a dedicated community member and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Ho‘omau Ke Ola and the Advisory Board for the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program.  In her personal statement, Ms. Fernandez indicated that she hopes to use her ability to recognize health services gaps, population mobility, and needs in rural areas to make an impact toward community health and wellness.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Fernandez's expertise in health data, background working with diverse populations, and commitment to public service will greatly benefit the Health Planning Council, Hawai‘i County Subarea.

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

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair