SSCR1678

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1678

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 621, 622

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

Madam:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 621 and 622, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Massage Therapy

G.M. No. 621

GEORGE DAVIS,

for a term to expire 6-30-2019; and

G.M. No. 622

PAULA BEHNKEN,

for a term to expire 6-30-2018,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds George Davis and Paula Behnken to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Board of Massage Therapy.

GEORGE DAVIS

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of George Davis from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Davis' knowledge, background, and proven experience on the Board of Massage Therapy qualify him for reappointment to the Board of Massage Therapy as a licensee member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Davis has been licensed as a massage therapist in Hawaii since 1998 and runs his own massage therapy practice. Mr. Davis has been a member of the Board of Massage Therapy since July 2012 and currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Board. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Davis' background as a massage therapist and active participation in Board discussions continues to enhance the effectiveness of the Board of Massage Therapy. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Davis be reappointed to the Board of Massage Therapy based on his background, experience, and dedication to his profession and public service.

PAULA BEHNKEN

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Paula Behnken from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Behnken's background and dedication to serving her community qualify her for appointment to the Board of Massage Therapy as a public member. Your Committee notes that Ms. Behnken is currently employed in an administrative capacity at the Maui School of Therapeutic Massage, a position which has enabled her to gain familiarity with the practice of massage therapy and the training requirements for massage therapists. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Behnken has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and is fully qualified to advocate for the public interest as a public member on the Board of Massage Therapy. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Behnken be appointed to the Board of Massage Therapy based on her knowledge, background, 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,

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair