STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2136

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 504, 505, 506

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 504, 505, and 506, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Hawai'i Board of Optometry

G.M. No. 504	KENNETH CHIN, for a term to expire 06-30-2022;
G.M. No. 505	SCOTT KUBOTA, for a term to expire 06-30-2019; and
G.M. No. 506	SCOTT KUBOTA, for a term to expire 06-30-2023,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Kenneth Chin and Scott Kubota for service on the Hawaii Board of Optometry.

KENNETH CHIN

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kenneth Chin from the Hawaii Board of Optometry.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Chin's background, experience, and commitment to serving his community qualify him for appointment to the Hawaii Board of Optometry as an optometrist member. Your Committee notes that Dr. Chin is an optometrist in private practice and has been licensed in Hawaii since 1990. Your Committee further finds that Dr. Chin has served as an interim member of the Hawaii Board of Optometry since July 2018 and his extensive experience continues to be an asset to the Board. According to testimony received by your Committee, Dr. Chin is very familiar with the Hawaii Board of Optometry's responsibilities and tasks, including granting licenses and disciplining licensees, establishing and amending the Board's administrative rules, and enforcing provisions governing the practice of optometry in the State. Your Committee therefore recommends that Dr. Chin be appointed to the Hawaii Board of Optometry based on his background, experience, and dedication to public service.

SCOTT KUBOTA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment and reappointment of Scott Kubota from the Hawaii Board of Optometry, Hawaii Optometric Association, and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Kubota's professional experience, background, and desire to serve his community qualify him for consideration for appointment and reappointment to the Hawaii Board of Optometry as a public member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Kubota has been a litigation attorney for over thirty-five years. Mr. Kubota is also an active member in professional and community organizations, including serving as the past president of Hawaii Kai Youth Baseball, Inc. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Kubota has served as an interim member of the Hawaii Board of Optometry since July 2018 and his ability to provide a perspective from the public's point of view and advocate for consumer safety, continues to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Kubota be appointed and reappointed to the Hawaii Board of Optometry based on his background, knowledge, and desire to contribute to the community.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health,

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair