STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1899

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 708

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 No. 708, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Physical Therapy

G.M. No. 708

JILL WAKABAYASHI, 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 Jill Wakabayashi for service on the Board of Physical Therapy.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Jill Wakabayashi from the Board of Physical Therapy and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Wakabayashi's experience, background, and knowledge qualify her for appointment to the Board of Physical Therapy as a licensed physical therapist assistant member. Ms. Wakabayashi has over thirty years of experience in physical therapy and has been licensed as a physical therapist assistant in Hawaii since 2014. Ms. Wakabayashi most recently worked as an assistant professor and program director for the Physical Therapy Assistant Program at Kapiolani Community College, where she, among other things, taught full-time, oversaw the Program, submitted course curriculum proposals, and revised and developed policies and procedures for the Program. Prior to her work at Kapiolani Community College, Ms. Wakabayashi was a physical therapist assistant for nearly a decade at Saint Francis Medical Center West. Your Committee also finds that Ms. Wakabayashi is an active member of her community. For nearly thirty years, she has served as an executive committee member for the Hawaii Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association and actively supported the Parkinson's Disease Support Group. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Wakabayashi previously served as a physical therapist assistant member on the Board of Physical Therapy from 2015 to 2021 and her experience and background will continue to support the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Jill Wakabayashi be appointed to the Board of Physical Therapy based on her experience, knowledge, 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