STAND. COM. REP. NO. 988

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 567, 568

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 567 and 568, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Medical Advisory Board

G.M. No. 567	ANTHONY KATRAS, for a term to expire 06-30-2025; and
G.M. No. 568	CHRISTOPHER TORTORA, for a term to expire 06-30-2025,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Anthony Katras and Christopher Tortora for service on the Medical Advisory Board.

ANTHONY KATRAS

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Anthony Katras from the Department of Transportation.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Katras' professional experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for consideration for reappointment to the Medial Advisory Board. Dr. Katras is currently a vascular surgeon at Straub Clinic and Hospital and Tripler Army Medical Center. His experience and knowledge with general medical issues as well as with vascular surgical procedures in particular will continue to be of great benefit to the Board, especially when reviewing cases that involve these types of medical conditions. Your Committee notes that Dr. Katras has served on the Medical Advisory Board for the past three years and his experience in this role will be a valuable resource. Your Committee therefore finds that Dr. Katras' knowledge, personal experience, and desire to contribute to the community will continue to be valuable assets to the Medical Advisory Board.

CHRISTOPHER TORTORA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Christopher Tortora from the Department of Transportation.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Tortora's professional experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for consideration for reappointment to the Medial Advisory Board. Prior to his retirement in 2019, Dr. Tortora served as the Medical Director of the Hawaii Eye Center for sixteen years. In over thirty years of practice as an ophthalmologist with a sub-specialty in glaucoma and cataract, Dr. Tortora was frequently acknowledged as a leader in his field and received "Top Doctor" and "Best Doctors" awards in 2015-2017. Your Committee also notes that Dr. Tortora has been serving on the Medical Advisory Board since 2020 and that his contributions have been valuable and appreciated by the other members of the Board. Your Committee therefore finds that Dr. Tortora's knowledge, personal experience, and desire to contribute to the community will continue to be valuable assets to the Medical Advisory Board.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation 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 Transportation,

____________________________

CHRIS LEE, Chair