STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1912

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 689

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 689, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Commission on the Status of Women

G.M. No. 689

MELISSA SOTELO, for a term to expire 06-30-2029,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Melissa Sotelo for service on the Commission on the Status of Women.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Melissa Sotelo from Voyager Public Charter School and four individuals.

Based on the testimony submitted on her behalf, responses to questions asked by the members of your Committee, and your Committee's review of her and her qualifications, your Committee finds that Ms. Sotelo's extensive experience, commitment to women's health care, and leadership abilities qualify her for appointment to the Commission on the Status of Women. Your Committee notes that Ms. Sotelo earned a Master of Science degree in Nursing from West Coast University Online in Anaheim, California, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from West Coast University in North Hollywood, California, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Sotelo currently works as a full‑time faculty nurse instructor at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa where she conducts clinical work as well as mentors and teaches the next generation of nurses. Previously, Ms. Sotelo worked as a long-term acute care hospital intensive care unit registered nurse, cardiac comprehensive care unit registered nurse, intermediate care unit registered nurse, and registry nurse at various hospitals in Oregon and Hawaiʻi. Your Committee also notes that Ms. Sotelo's role at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa allows her to engage with the latest health care policy trends and education strategies relevant to women's health, and continues to be a driving force in improving health care standards and practices for all patients, particularly women. Your Committee therefore recommends that Melissa Sotelo be appointed to the Commission on the Status of Women based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to improving the lives of women in the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary 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 Judiciary,

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KARL RHOADS, Chair