STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3729

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 637

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2018

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 637, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Veterinary Examiners

G.M. No. 637

ALICIA MALUAFITI, for a term to expire 06-30-2022,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Alicia Maluafiti for service on the Board of Veterinary Examiners.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Alicia Maluafiti from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, one member of the Honolulu City Council, Hawaii Happy Cats, and thirty-six individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Maluafiti's background, commitment to public service, and proven experience on the Board of Veterinary Examiners qualify her to be nominated for reappointment 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 thirty years and has had a wide range of direct experience with veterinarians in small and large clinic settings. Ms. Maluafiti is also 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. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Maluafiti has been a member of the Board of Veterinary Examiners since April 2016 and her extensive experience in animal rescue combined with her genuine care and passion for animals continues to be an asset to the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Maluafiti be reappointed to the Board of Veterinary Examiners based on her experience, background, and dedication to serving her 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