STAND.
COM. REP. NO. 2020
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 548, 549, 613, 615
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Second State Legislature
Regular Session of 2023
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 548, 549, 613, and 615, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:
Board of Dentistry
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G.M. No. 548 |
JONATHAN LAU, for a term to expire 06-30-2026; |
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G.M. No. 549 |
CRAIG YAMAMOTO, for a term to expire 06-30-2023; |
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G.M. No. 613 |
ANDREW TSEU, for a term to expire 06-30-2027; and |
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G.M. No. 615 |
JOYCE YAMADA, for a term to expire 06-30-2027, |
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Jonathan Lau, Craig Yamamoto, Andrew Tseu, and Joyce Yamada for service on the Board of Dentistry.
JONATHAN LAU
Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Lau's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Board of Dentistry as a dentist member from Maui. Your Committee notes that Dr. Lau has been a dentist for over thirty years and currently serves as an associate dentist with the Wailuku Dental Group. Previously, Dr. Lau served as a principal dentist and president of the Wailuku Dental Group, Inc. for nearly thirty years where he gained broad experience and knowledge about general restorative dentistry and worked with a wide range of patients from children to the elderly. As a dentist from Maui who has experience working as a sole practitioner and in a large group practice setting, Dr. Lau is uniquely equipped to share the perspectives and concerns of the Maui dental community and provide representation for Maui County. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Lau is an active volunteer in his community and has served as an interim member of the Board of Dentistry since July 2022 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Jonathan Lau be appointed to the Board of Dentistry based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.
CRAIG YAMAMOTO
Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Craig Yamamoto from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hawaii Dental Association, and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the appointment of Craig Yamamoto from one individual. Your Committee notes that the testimony submitted in opposition to this nominee contained no substantive information or commentary relating to his appointment.
Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Yamamoto's knowledge, experience, and dedication to public service qualify him for appointment to the Board of Dentistry as a dentist member from Oahu. Your Committee notes that Dr. Yamamoto has been a dentist for over thirty years and has been licensed in Hawaii since 1992. Dr. Yamamoto is an oral surgeon in private practice and founded Oral Surgery Hawaii in 1999. Dr. Yamamoto also donates his time as a volunteer dentist with the Kalihi Kokua Valley Health Center, Dental Samaritans, and American Dental Association. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Yamamoto has served as an active leader with a number of professional organizations, including the Hawaii Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Hawaii Dental Society, and Honolulu County Dental Society. Dr. Yamamoto has served as an interim member of the Board of Dentistry since July 2022 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Craig Yamamoto be appointed to the Board of Dentistry based on his experience, background, and desire to serve his community.
ANDREW TSEU
Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Andrew Tseu from the Board of Dentistry, Hawai‘i Public Health Institute, and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition of the nomination to the reappointment of Andrew Tseu from one individual. Your Committee notes that the testimony submitted in opposition to this nominee contained no substantive information or commentary relating to his reappointment.
Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Tseu's background, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Board of Dentistry qualify him for reappointment to the Board of Dentistry as a dentist member from Oahu. Your Committee notes that Dr. Tseu has been a licensed dentist in Hawaii since 1999 and is currently the Hospital and Community Dental Services Branch Chief and an Administrative Hearings Officer for the Department of Health. Dr. Tseu is also a dentist for the State of Hawaii Medicaid Organ and Tissue Transplant Program. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Tseu also possesses a Juris Doctor degree, is a member of the Hawaii State Bar Association, and is well-versed in Hawaii's laws surrounding dentistry. Dr. Tseu is also a member of several professional organizations and associations, including Dental Lifeline Hawaii and Hawaii Oral Health Coalition. Your Committee further finds that Dr. Tseu has served on the Board of Dentistry since 2019 and currently serves as Vice Chair. Your Committee finds that Dr. Tseu's legal background and experience working in the public health sector will allow him to continue to provide a unique perspective to the Board of Dentistry. Your Committee therefore recommends that Andrew Tseu be reappointed to the Board of Dentistry based on his experience, knowledge, and dedication to public service.
JOYCE YAMADA
Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Joyce Yamada from the Board of Dentistry and two individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the appointment of Joyce Yamada from one individual. Your Committee notes that the testimony submitted in opposition to this nominee contained no substantive information or commentary relating to her reappointment.
Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Yamada's knowledge, experience, and proven leadership on the Board of Dentistry qualify her for reappointment to the Board of Dentistry as a dental hygienist member from Maui. Your Committee notes that Ms. Yamada has been working as a licensed dental hygienist in Hawaii since 1985, is a certified dental assistant, and has held various roles at the University of Hawaii Maui College since 2002, including her current roles as a professor and coordinator for the dental assisting program. Ms. Yamada is an active participant within her community and profession and serves as a member and former officer of the Maui County Dental Hygienists' Association and is an advocate for dental health, having launched a number of community outreach initiatives on Maui. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Yamada is an active member in her profession and currently serves as a member of the American Dental Hygiene Association, American Dental Assistants Association of University Women, and the Healthy Eating, Healthy Living Coalition. Ms. Yamada has served on the Board of Dentistry since 2019 and her experience and knowledge will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board of Dentistry. Your Committee therefore recommends that Joyce Yamada be reappointed to the Board of Dentistry based on her knowledge, proven leadership, and desire to serve the public.
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,
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____________________________ JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair |
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