SSCR3491

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3491

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 523, 524, 525

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. 523, 524, and 525, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Naturopathic Medicine

G.M. No. 523

DAVID KERN,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024;

G.M. No. 524

KRISTEN COLES,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024; and

G.M. No. 525

JOY KIMURA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by David Kern, Kristen Coles, and Joy Kimura for service on the Board of Naturopathic Medicine.

David Kern

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of David Kern from the Board of Naturopathic Medicine and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Kern's background, experience, and proven leadership on the Board of Naturopathic Medicine qualify him to be nominated for reappointment to the Board of Naturopathic Medicine as a licensed naturopathic physician member. Your Committee notes that Dr. Kern has been a licensed naturopathic physician since 1985 and is presently the Medical Director at Grace Health Clinic, Inc., which he also founded. Dr. Kern is also a licensed acupuncturist. Dr. Kern has a strong public service background and previously served multiple terms as a member of the Board of Naturopathic Medicine. Your Committee notes that Dr. Kern has served on the Board of Naturopathic Medicine since 2016, currently serves as the Board's chairperson, and his experience combined with his diverse background continues to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Dr. Kern be reappointed to the Board of Naturopathic Medicine based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to his industry and public service.

Kristen Coles

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Kristen Coles from the Board of Naturopathic Medicine and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Coles' experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Board of Naturopathic Medicine qualify her to be nominated for reappointment to the Board of Naturopathic Medicine as a licensed naturopathic physician member. Your Committee notes that Dr. Coles has been licensed as a naturopathic physician since 2012 and presently works as a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist at Steelsmith Natural Health Center, providing primary care to patients of all ages. Dr. Coles also has specialty training in the areas of women's health, pain management, oncology, and pediatrics. Dr. Coles is also a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Hawaii Society of Naturopathic Physicians where she serves as co-chair of the legislative committee. Your Committee further finds that Dr. Coles has been a member of the Board of Naturopathic Medicine since 2018 and her experience and leadership continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Dr. Coles be reappointed to the Board of Naturopathic Medicine based on her experience, background, and commitment to public service.

Joy Kimura

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Joy Kimura from the Board of Naturopathic Medicine and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Kimura's background and desire to serve the community qualify her to be nominated for appointment to the Board of Naturopathic Medicine as a public member. Your Committee notes that Ms. Kimura presently works for the Hawaii Laborers‑Employers Cooperation and Education Trust in Government Relations and Compliance and has experience conducting research and analysis with various state departments. Ms. Kimura has a personal interest in the practice of naturopathic medicine and is motivated to support safe and effective consumer access to its services. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Kimura has served as a member of the Board of Naturopathic Medicine since 2019 and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members. Ms. Kimura's ability to provide insight from the public's perspective and contribute her research experience will be valuable assets to the Board of Naturopathic Medicine. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Kimura be appointed to the Board of Naturopathic Medicine based on her background, experience, 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