STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1358

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 571

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. 571, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Board Of Naturopathic Medicine

G.M. No. 571

DAVID KERN, 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 David Kern to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Board of Naturopathic Medicine.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of David Kern from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and one individual.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Kern's background, knowledge, and prior experience on the Board of Naturopathic Medicine qualify him to be nominated for appointment to the Board of Naturopathic Medicine as a licensee member.  Your Committee notes that Dr. Kern has been licensed in Hawaii since 1985 and is the founder and Medical Director of Grace Health Clinic, Inc., on Maui.  Dr. Kern was also the first naturopathic physician in Hawaii admitted to the medical staff of a state hospital, Maui Memorial Medical Center, and was the first doctor of alternative medicine to be awarded the Keola Award by the Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation, for his contributions to health care in the Maui community.  Your Committee further finds that Dr. Kern previously served on the Board of Naturopathic Medicine from 2006 through 2014 and has served as a current interim appointee since October 1, 2016, where his years of experience continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Dr. Kern be nominated for appointment to the Board of Naturopathic Medicine based on his knowledge, experience, and dedication to public service.

     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