STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2022

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 588

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 No. 588, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Optometry

G.M. No. 588

WALLACE KOJIMA, for a term to expire 06-30-2027,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Wallace Kojima for service on the Board of Optometry.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Wallace Kojima from the Board of Optometry. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the reappointment of Wallace Kojima 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. Kojima's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Board of Optometry qualify him for reappointment to the Board of Optometry as a licensed optometrist member who does not live in the City & County of Honolulu. Your Committee notes that Dr. Kojima has been a licensed optometrist for over thirty years and has been in private practice in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, since 2004. Dr. Kojima previously served as a manager and optometrist for Lenscrafters/Eyexam 2000, and prior to that, practiced with Kojima and Sakamoto, O.D. Inc. Your Committee further finds that Dr. Kojima is a member of multiple professional affiliations, including the Hawaii Optometric Association and American Optometric Association. Dr. Kojima has served on the Board of Optometry since 2019 and his experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Board of Optometry. Your Committee therefore recommends that Wallace Kojima be reappointed to the Board of Optometry based on his 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