STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3823

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 706

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

Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs

G.M. No. 706

GARY SIMON, 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 Gary Simon for service on the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Gary Simon from the Executive Office on Aging, Hawaii Family Caregiver Coalition, Hawaii Catholic Conference, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and four individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Simon's knowledge, expertise, and prior service on the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs (PABEA) qualify him to be nominated for reappointment to the Board. Your Committee finds that Mr. Simon is currently employed as the Director of Corporate Affairs and Advocacy for St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii, which provides care for the terminally ill. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Simon has nearly three decades of experience in the healthcare field, which will be a valuable resource to the Board. Your Committee also finds that Mr. Simon currently serves as the Chair of PABEA, demonstrating that he understands the role and responsibilities of Board membership. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Simon also serves as the President of the Hawaii Family Caregiver Coalition and as a board member of Kokua Mau, further demonstrating his commitment to the service of the elderly. Your Committee also notes that Mr. Simon has served as a caregiver for several of his family members, making him quite familiar with and knowledgeable about aging and caregiver issues.

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