SSCR2202

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2202

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 683, 684, 699

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. 683, 684, and 699, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Hawai'i Board of Optometry

G.M. No. 683

WALLACE KOJIMA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023;

G.M. No. 684

SEULYN AU,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023; and

G.M. No. 699

ROBB SHIBAYAMA,

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 Wallace Kojima, Seulyn Au, and Robb Shibayama for service on the Hawaii Board of Optometry.

WALLACE KOJIMA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Wallace Kojima from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Kojima's experience, background, and dedication to community service qualify him to be nominated for appointment to the Hawaii Board of Optometry as a licensed optometrist member. Your Committee notes that Dr. Kojima has been a licensed optometrist for over thirty years and has been in private practice in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii since 2004. Prior to starting his private practice, Dr. Kojima was a managing optometrist for LensCrafters in California, where he was one of twelve optometrists across the nation selected to serve on LensCrafter's Optometric Advisory Committee. Dr. Kojima has practiced in many different settings during his career, including the military, in a corporate setting, and private practice, and has developed a wealth of experience in his field. Your Committee further finds that Dr. Kojima has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his experience as a practitioner and his knowledge of optical retail will be an asset to the Hawaii Board of Optometry. Your Committee therefore recommends that Dr. Kojima be appointed to the Hawaii Board of Optometry based on his experience, background, and commitment to public service.

SEULYN AU

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

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Au's background, experience, and proven leadership on the Hawaii Board of Optometry qualify her to be nominated for reappointment to the Hawaii Board of Optometry as a licensed optometrist member. Your Committee notes that Dr. Au has been a licensed optometrist in Hawaii since 1984 and is the founder and managing optometrist for Waikiki Health Center and Kokua Kalihi Valley, which are non-profit optometry programs serving low-income earners. Dr. Au also founded and managed the Kalihi-Palama Optometry Clinic, the State's first non-profit eye clinic that provides eye care to homeless and medically-underserved residents. Dr. Au is actively involved with her community, including her prior leadership roles for Palama Settlement and serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the National Kidney Foundation. Your Committee further finds that Dr. Au has been a member of the Hawaii Board of Optometry since 2015, and her knowledge and experience continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Dr. Au be reappointed to the Hawaii Board of Optometry based on her knowledge, experience, and dedication to public service.

ROBB SHIBAYAMA

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

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Shibayama's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Hawaii Board of Optometry qualify him to be nominated for reappointment to the Hawaii Board of Optometry as a licensed optometrist member. Your Committee notes that Dr. Shibayama has been licensed as an optometrist in Hawaii since 2000 and practices comprehensive medical-based optometry at Hawaii Vision Associates, the largest optometric group in the State. Dr. Shibayama has experience in private practice, commercial, and hospital-based optometry. Dr. Shibayama is board-certified by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, holds a Certification for Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease, and is a member of the Hawaii Optometric Association and American Optometric Association. Your Committee further finds that Dr. Shibayama has been a member of the Hawaii Board of Optometry since 2017 and has acted as the Board's Vice Chair since July 2018 and his experience and leadership continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Dr. Shibayama be reappointed to the Hawaii Board of Optometry based on his experience, background, and commitment to public service.

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