STAND. COM. REP. NO. 991

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 611, 612

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 611 and 612, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Hawai'i Medical Board

G.M. No. 611	GERI YOUNG, for a term to expire 06-30-2025; and
G.M. No. 612	GARY BELCHER, 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 Geri Young and Gary Belcher for service on the Hawai‘i Medical Board.

GERI YOUNG

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Geri Young from the Hawai‘i Medical Board, Hawai‘i Pacific Health, Kaua‘i Medical Clinic, and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Young's professional experience, background, and desire to serve her community qualify her for reappointment to the Hawai‘i Medical Board as a physician member from Kauai. Your Committee notes that Dr. Young has held a medical license in Hawaii for over forty years and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Young currently works as a Pediatrician at Hawaii Pacific Health Kauai Medical Clinic, where she also serves as Medical Director, and further works as an Assistant Clinical Professor with the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine. Your Committee also notes that Dr. Young is an active member in a number of professional and community organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, Kauai Rural Health Association, and Wilcox Medical Center where she currently serves as Chairperson of Physicians' Health, in addition to many others. Your Committee further finds that Dr. Young has served on the Hawai‘i Medical Board since 2017 and her knowledge and experience continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Dr. Young be reappointed to the Hawai‘i Medical Board based on her background, knowledge, and desire to contribute to the community.

GARY BELCHER

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Gary Belcher from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and five individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Belcher's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Hawai‘i Medical Board as a public member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Belcher has over forty years of experience in clinical health care and health care delivery systems and recently retired from his position as Residency Program Administrator for the surgical, orthopedic, and critical care training programs with the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine and Hawaii Residency Programs, Inc., a position he held since 1982. Mr. Belcher remains an active participant in his community and currently serves as the Chapter Administrator for the Hawaii Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, and previously served on the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology for six years, including serving as the Board's Vice-Chairperson. Your Committee finds that Mr. Belcher has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in health care environments will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Hawai‘i Medical Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Belcher be appointed to the Hawai‘i Medical Board based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection 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 and Consumer Protection,

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair