STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1991

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 748, 749, 768

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. 748, 749, and 768, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Hawai'i Board of Optometry

G.M. No. 748	ASHLEY PORTER, for a term to expire 06-30-2029;
G.M. No. 749	KATHRYN MAU, for a term to expire 06-30-2029; and
G.M. No. 768	GAYLE CHANG, 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 Ashley Porter, Kathryn Mau, and Gayle Chang for service on the Hawaii Board of Optometry.

ASHLEY PORTER

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Ashley Porter from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and five individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Porter's experience, knowledge, and dedication to public service qualify her for appointment to the Hawaii Board of Optometry as a licensed optometrist member. Your Committee notes that Dr. Porter has nearly ten years of experience in optometry and has been licensed as an optometrist in Hawaii since 2016. Dr. Porter currently works as an optometrist at Jenkins Eye Care where she manages ocular surgery and disease, emergency care, and specialty hard contact lenses. Dr. Porter also has extensive experience in various optometric settings, including routine care, surgical care, and urgent care. Additionally, Dr. Porter has developed a strong background in health care through her volunteering, medical mission trips, and delivering public educational lectures, all of which have strengthened her communication skills and increased her ability to address ethical and regulatory issues. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ashley Porter be appointed to the Hawaii Board of Optometry based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

KATHRYN MAU

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kathryn Mau from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Mau's background and commitment to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Hawaii Board of Optometry as a licensed optometrist member. Your Committee notes that Dr. Mau has been a licensed optometrist in Hawaii since 2011. Dr. Mau is currently an optometrist, clinical study coordinator, and continuing education coordinator at Aloha Laser Vision, LLC. Previously, Dr. Mau was a licensed optometrist in New York and also served as an international patient care director in Bangkok, Thailand. Dr. Mau is also active in number of professional organizations, including the Hawaii Optometric Association and American Optometric Association. Your Committee additionally finds that Dr. Mau has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of board members and her diverse work experience in the industry will bring a unique perspective to the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Kathryn Mau be appointed to the Hawaii Board of Optometry based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

GAYLE CHANG

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Gayle Chang from the Hawaii Board of Optometry and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Chang's experience, knowledge, and prior experience on the Hawaii Board of Optometry (Board) qualify her for reappointment to the Board as a public member. Your Committee notes that Ms. Chang retired after a decades long career serving as a dental hygienist and office manager and as an instructor in dental assisting at Kapiolani Community College. Ms. Chang is also well-involved in the community and has volunteered with the Hawaii Dental Hygienists Association and Boy Scouts of America. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Chang was most recently appointed to the Board in 2022 and previously served from 2010 to 2018. Prior to that, Ms. Chang also served on the Hawaii Board of Dentistry from 2002 to 2010 as a dental hygienist member and Vice Chair during her last term. According to testimony received by your Committee, Ms. Chang is a conscientious board member who comes well prepared to discuss matters on the Board's agenda and provides valuable insights at Board meetings. As a public member, Ms. Chang brings valuable insights that will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Gayle Chang be reappointed to the Hawaii Board of Optometry based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment 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