STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3488

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 514, 515

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 514 and 515, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Dentistry

G.M. No. 514	JOSEPH CHU, for a term to expire 06-30-2023; and
G.M. No. 515	ANDREW TSEU, 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 Joseph Chu and Andrew Tseu for service on the Board of Dentistry.

Joseph Chu

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Joseph Chu from the Board of Dentistry, Hawaii Dental Association, and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Chu's experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Board of Dentistry as a dentist member. Your Committee notes that Dr. Chu has twenty years of experience in dentistry and has been a licensed dentist in Hawaii since 2009. In 2010, Dr. Chu founded his private practice dedicated in endodontics in Lihue, Kauai, where he currently works. Prior to that, Dr. Chu worked as a dentist in Honolulu and Kalihi, and in New York. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Chu is engaged in his profession and has participated in several volunteer dental missions to the Philippines, Nepal, and Myanmar. Dr. Chu is also a member of a number of professional organizations, including the American Association of Endodontics and the Hawaii Dental Association, and previously served as President for the Honolulu County Dental Society and the Kauai County Dental Society. Your Committee finds that Dr. Chu has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and that his experience and background will be assets to the Board of Dentistry. Your Committee therefore recommends that Dr. Chu be appointed to the Board of Dentistry based on his knowledge and commitment to serving the public.

Andrew Tseu

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Andrew Tseu from the Board of Dentistry, Hawaii Dental Association, Hui No Ke Ola Pono, and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Tseu's background, experience, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Board of Dentistry as a dentist member. Your Committee notes that Dr. Tseu has been a licensed dentist in Hawaii since 1999 and is currently the Hospital and Community Dental Services Branch Chief and an Administrative Hearings Officer for the Department of Health. Dr. Tseu is also a dentist for the State of Hawaii Medicaid Organ and Tissue Transplant Program. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Tseu also possesses a Juris Doctor degree and is a member of the Hawaii State Bar Association and is well-versed in Hawaii's laws surrounding dentistry. Dr. Tseu volunteers his time by attending national conferences and serving as an examiner for dental licensure exams and is also a member of several professional organizations. Your Committee finds that Dr. Tseu's legal background and experience working in the public health sector will allow him to provide a unique perspective to the Board of Dentistry. Your Committee therefore recommends that Dr. Tseu be appointed to the Board of Dentistry based on his experience, knowledge, and dedication 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