STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1994

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 752

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. 752, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology

G.M. No. 752

OLIVIA UCHIMA, for a term to expire 06-30-2029,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Olivia Uchima from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and four individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Uchima's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology as a speech pathologist member. Your Committee notes that Dr. Uchima holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health and has been a licensed Speech Pathologist in Hawaii since 2015. Dr. Uchima is currently a Speech, Language, and Swallow Therapist for The Queen's Medical Center Head and Neck Cancer Institute in addition to serving as a Speech and Language Pathologist for Kaiser Permanente where she provides acute inpatient services to adults with neurological and swallowing disorders. Dr. Uchima has also served with other professional organizations including the Maternal and Child Health Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and as the Ethics and Licensing Chair for the Hawaii Speech, Language, and Hearing Association. Your Committee finds that Dr. Uchima has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in Speech and Language Pathology will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Olivia Uchima be appointed to the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology based on her knowledge, background, and dedication 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