STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3483

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 534

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 No. 534, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology

G.M. No. 534

BRIAN CHEN, for a term to expire 06-30-2021,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Brian Chen for service on the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Brian Chen from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Chen's experience, knowledge, and desire to serve the community qualify him to be nominated for appointment to the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology. Dr. Chen received his Hawaii medical license in 2018 when his service as a U.S. Army medical corps major brought him to the State. Dr. Chen is currently the attending surgeon of otology and neurotology at Tripler Army Medical Center. Previously, Dr. Chen served as Chief of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic and the Director of the Cochlear Implant Program at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. Your Committee notes that Dr. Chen is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, and holds certifications in general otolaryngology and neurotology. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Chen serves on a number of professional associations, including the American Academy of Otolaryngology, American Neurotology Society, and the Society of Military Otolaryngologists. Your Committee further finds that Dr. Chen has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his ability to provide insight from a board-certified medical doctor perspective will be a valuable asset to the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology. Your Committee therefore recommends that Dr. Chen be appointed to the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology based on his knowledge, experience, and desire to contribute to the community.

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