STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1852

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 813

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 813, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Board of Directors of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation

 

G.M. No. 813

LESLIE KIMURA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Leslie Kimura for service on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Leslie Kimura from the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation East Hawaii Region, University of Hawaii System, Community First, KTA Super Stores, and nine individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Kimura's experience as a business leader, commitment to public service and dedication to the health and wellness of underserved communities qualify her for appointment to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.  Ms. Kimura is currently the Executive Director of the Imiloa Astronomy Center.  In this position, Ms. Kimura has prioritized bringing the history, cultural values, and the important perspective of Kānaka Maoli into the forefront of innovation in astronomy education and space exploration.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Kimura is a leader in the community, having held Executive positions on the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, Big Island Visitors Bureau, Hawaii Island Workforce and Economic Development Ohana, University of Hawaii at Hilo Alumni Relations, and Aha Pūnana Leo.  Ms. Kimura earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Hawaiian Studies and Master of Arts in Hawaiian Language and Literature from the University of Hawaii at Hilo and is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

 

     Your Committee further finds that Ms. Kimura meets the requirement that a representative reside in the Eastern section of Hawaii County.  Ms. Kimura indicated in her personal statement that her vision for the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation is to ensure that each region operates to fulfill their missions in serving all, but especially those that may not be able to afford health care.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Kimura be appointed to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation based on her experience and leadership in the community and commitment to the health and wellness of underserved communities.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on 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 Health,

 

 

 

____________________________

JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair