STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1652

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 797, 798

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 Nos. 797 and 798, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Board of Examiners in Optometry

G.M. No. 797	DAREK SATO, for a term to expire 06-30-2017; and
G.M. No. 798	DAREK SATO, for a term to expire 06-30-2021,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Darek Sato to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated for appointment and reappointment to the Board of Examiners in Optometry.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment and reappointment of Darek Sato from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Sato's background and commitment to public service also qualify him to be nominated for appointment and reappointment to the Board of Examiners in Optometry as a public member.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Sato's background is in general health care administration, where he currently serves as the Provider Network Operations Manager for MDX Hawaii, a company that provides administrative services for health plans that serve large local employers.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Sato has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his professional background in health care administration will be a beneficial asset to the discussions of the Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Sato be appointed and reappointed to the Board of Examiners in Optometry based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to serving his community.

     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