STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3256

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 625

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 No. 625, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology

G.M. No. 625

ERIN FIRMIN, for a term to expire 06-30-2026,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Erin Firmin for service on the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Erin Firmin from the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Firmin's background, experience, and proven leadership on the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology qualify her for reappointment to the Board as a licensed speech pathologist member.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Firmin has been a licensed speech pathologist in Hawaii for nearly ten years, has over twenty-one years of experience working as a speech pathologist for schools, and is also a licensed behavior analyst. Ms. Firmin is currently the Central District Speech-Language Pathologist Coordinator for the Hawaii Department of Education. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Firmin is involved with a number of other professional organizations, including the Hawaii Association for Behavior Analysis, Hawaii Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Firmin currently serves as the Chairperson for the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology, and her knowledge and experience will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Erin Firmin be reappointed to the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology based on her background, experience, and dedication to serving the community.

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

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair