STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1832

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 796, 797

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 796 and 797, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Early Learning Board

G.M. No. 796	MARI UEHARA, for a term to expire 06-30-2023; and
G.M. No. 797	ERIN HENDERSON LACERDO, for a term to expire 06-30-2025. (Term amended to 6-30-2024 by GM825),

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Mari Uehara and Erin Henderson Lacerdo for service on the Early Learning Board.

MARI UEHARA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Mari Uehara from the Executive Office on Early Learning; Early Learning Board; and American Academy of Pediatrics, Hawai‘i Chapter.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Uehara's experience as a board-certified developmental behavioral pediatrician, expertise in child development, and commitment to public service qualify her for reappointment to the Early Learning Board as a voting member who represents the Hawai‘i Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Your Committee notes that Dr. Uehara has practiced as a pediatrician in Japan since 1989 and obtained her Hawaii medical license in 1999. She has been a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, John A. Burns School of Medicine since 2003. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Uehara has been an active member on various professional and governmental bodies, including the Hawaii Early Intervention Coordinating Council. Your Committee further finds that Dr. Uehara has served on the Early Learning Board since 2017 and that she has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of its members. Her experience as a pediatrician and expertise in early development and child education will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Early Learning Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mari Uehara be reappointed to the Early Learning Board based on her experience, expertise, and commitment to public service.

ERIN HENDERSON LACERDO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Erin Henderson Lacerdo from the Department of Health, Executive Office on Early Learning, Early Learning Board, Puakalehua Early Learning Consortium, and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Henderson Lacerdo's background, experience, and desire to serve the public qualify her to be appointed to the Early Learning Board as a voting member who represents home-visiting program providers. Your Committee notes that Ms. Henderson Lacerdo has worked in the field of early childhood for twelve years. She has been a certified child-parent psychotherapy clinician since 2019 and licensed in Hawaii as a clinical social worker since 2017. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Henderson Lacerdo is currently the Statewide Program Director of Keiki O Ka Aina's He Lei Piko Home Visiting Program. She is also a mentor for the Infant Mental Health Fellows Program and a certified infant family specialist with the Council for Professional Recognition. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Henderson Lacerdo has served on the Steering Committee of the Puakalehua Early Learning Consortium for North and West Hawaii since 2019 and that she understands the role and responsibilities of board members. Her extensive experience and connection with the Hawaii Home Visiting Network will enhance the effectiveness of the Early Learning Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Erin Henderson Lacerdo be appointed to the Early Learning Board based on her background, experience, and desire to serve the public.

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

____________________________

MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair