STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3260

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 506, 507

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 506 and 507, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Psychology

G.M. No. 506	JAMES SPIRA, for a term to expire 06-30-2026; and
G.M. No. 507	JUNE CHING, 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 James Spira and June Ching for service on the Board of Psychology.

JAMES SPIRA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of James Spira from the Board of Psychology and four individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Spira's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Board of Psychology qualify him for reappointment to the Board as a licensed psychologist member. Your Committee notes that Dr. Spira has nearly forty years of experience within the field of psychology in various capacities, has been a licensed psychologist in Hawaii since 2012, and currently serves as the Director of Pacific Behavioral Health. Dr. Spira has twenty-five years of experience with military and veteran behavioral health and previously served as the Director of the Pacific Island Division of the Department of Veterans Affairs' National Center for PTSD. Dr. Spira has also served as a professor for the Department of Psychology at the John A. Burns School of Medicine and as a subject matter expert in criminal cases. Your Committee further finds that Dr. Spira has also served as the President of the Hawaii Psychological Association and has been an active member in a number of other professional organizations throughout his career, and his experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Board of Psychology. Your Committee therefore recommends that James Spira be reappointed to the Board of Psychology based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

JUNE CHING

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

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Ching's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Board of Psychology as a licensed psychologist member. Your Committee notes that Dr. Ching has over forty years of experience in the field of psychology and has been a licensed psychologist in Hawaii since 1981. Dr. Ching currently works in private practice and as a psychological consultant for the Children's Justice Center and the Kid's First Program. Dr. Ching is certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in Clinical Psychology and has specialized experience in the diagnostic assessment and treatment of a culturally diverse population of children, adults, couples, and families. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Ching is an active participant in her profession and has served as a member of various organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the National Register for Health Services Providers in Psychology. Your Committee finds that Dr. Ching has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in psychology will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board of Psychology. Your Committee therefore recommends that June Ching be appointed to the Board of Psychology based on her 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,

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ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair