STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2003

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 550

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 550, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Naturopathic Medicine

G.M. No. 550

CORINNE MAUL DE SOTO, 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 Corinne Maul de Soto for service on the Board of Naturopathic Medicine.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Corinne Maul De Soto from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Your Committee received testimony in opposition of the nomination for the appointment of Corinne Maul De Soto from one individual. Your Committee notes that the testimony submitted in opposition to this nominee contained no substantive information or commentary relating to her appointment.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. De Soto's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify her for appointment to the Board of Naturopathic Medicine as a licensed naturopathic physician member. Your Committee notes that Dr. De Soto has been a licensed doctor of naturopathic medicine in Hawaii for nearly a decade. Dr. De Soto is the owner and Medical Director of the Koa Clinic of Integrative Healing and founder, Executive Director, and Medical Director of the Koa Community Health Foundation in Kailua-Kona. During the course of Dr. De Soto's career, she has gained broad experience and knowledge about naturopathic medicine and remains involved with multiple organizations related to her profession, including the Hawaii Society of Naturopathic Physicians, American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and Pediatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Your Committee further notes that Dr. De Soto has served as an interim member of the Board of Naturopathic Medicine since 2022 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Corinne Maul De Soto be appointed to the Board of Naturopathic Medicine based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment 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,

____________________________

JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair