STAND. COM. REP. NO. 4033

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 762

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. 762, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Hawaii Medical Board

G.M. No. 762

REBECCA SAWAI, 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 Rebecca Sawai for service on the Hawaii Medical Board.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Rebecca Sawai from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Hawaii Permanente Medical Group, Inc.; Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center; and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Sawai's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Hawaii Medical Board as a licensed physician member specializing in surgery from the City and County of Honolulu. Your Committee notes that Dr. Sawai has been a licensed physician in Hawaii since 2008 and is currently an attending surgeon in general surgery and colon and rectal surgery at Kaiser Moanalua Medical Center and an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine. Over the course of her career, Dr. Sawai has earned multiple honors and awards and is an active member in several committees and professional organizations. Dr. Sawai serves as the Director of Peer Review Activities for the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group, Vice President for the Hawaii Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, Cancer Liaison Physician, and is a member of the Pacific Coast Surgical Association and American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Your Committee further finds that Dr. Sawai has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience as a physician and surgeon will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Hawaii Medical Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Rebecca Sawai be appointed to the Hawaii Medical Board based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

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,

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ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair