STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1983

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 683, 709

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 683 and 709, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Psychology

G.M. No. 683	STEVEN R. TAKETA, for a term to expire 06-30-2029; and
G.M. No. 709	JUNE W. J. CHING, for a term to expire 06-30-2029,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Steven Taketa and June Ching for service on the Board of Psychology.

STEVEN R. TAKETA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Steven Taketa from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Board of Psychology, and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Taketa's experience, knowledge, and desire to serve his community qualify him for appointment to the Board of Psychology as a licensee member. Your Committee notes that Dr. Taketa has been licensed as a psychologist in Hawaii since 2012 and has nearly twenty years of experience in psychology. Dr. Taketa is currently a tenured Clinical Psychologist and faculty member at the University of Hawaii – West Oahu, where he directs the University's counseling and wellness program. Dr. Taketa is also the owner and operator of his own private practice, where he provides clinical and forensic psychologic services, including court-appointed examinations. Additionally, your Committee notes that Dr. Taketa is an active participant in his community and served as an Intervention and Diagnostic Practicum Supervisor and Internship Training Director at Hawaii Pacific Internship, which underscores his dedication to fostering the development of ethical and competent professional psychologists in the community. Your Committee therefore recommends that Steven Taketa be appointed to the Board of Psychology based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

JUNE W. J. CHING

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of June Ching from the Board of Psychology and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds Dr. Ching's knowledge, background, and proven leadership on the Board of Psychology qualify her for reappointment to the Board as a licensee member. Your Committee notes that Dr. Ching is a Board Certified Psychologist and has been licensed in Hawaii since 1981. Dr. Ching currently maintains her own private practice and has also worked extensively in hospital clinical settings. Dr. Ching is also a Senior Psychological Consultant for the Children's Justice Center and a psychology consultant for the Kid's First Program. In addition, Dr. Ching participates on various panels and is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the Hawaii Psychological Association. Your Committee notes that Dr. Ching has served on the Board of Psychology since 2022 and was recently made Chairperson of the Board. Accordingly, your Committee finds that Dr. Ching's experience and leadership will continue to be assets to the Board of Psychology. Your Committee therefore recommends that June Ching be reappointed 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,

____________________________

JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair