SSCR3412

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3412

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 506, 507

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 506 and 507, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Massage Therapy

G.M. No. 506

SEAN ST. LOUIS,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027; and

G.M. No. 507

SHANON SKOOG,

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 Sean St. Louis and Shanon Skoog for service on the Board of Massage Therapy.

SEAN ST. LOUIS

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Sean St. Louis from the Board of Massage Therapy and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. St. Louis' background, experience, and dedication to community service qualify him to be appointed to the Board of Massage Therapy as a licensed massage therapist member. Mr. St. Louis is recognized by his peers as a highly skilled massage therapist, and he has worked with many celebrities, athletes, and other high-profile clientele over the course of his career. Mr. St. Louis has been a licensed massage therapist in Hawaii for over twenty years and has been employed at the Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki since 2017, where he practices a broad range of various massage modalities. Previously, Mr. St. Louis gained considerable massage therapy experience through his work on Hawaii island at the Fairmont Orchid in Kamuela, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Kona Village Resort, and Kohala Coast Hotel. Mr. St. Louis graduated from the Hawaiian Islands School of Massage in 2003. Mr. St. Louis has also completed 1,250 hours in education and training in medical massage. Your Committee notes that Mr. St. Louis has been serving as an interim member of the Board of Massage Therapy since January 2024 and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Sean St. Louis be appointed to the Board of Massage Therapy based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

SHANON SKOOG

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Shanon Skoog from the Board of Massage Therapy, Massage Envy Hawaii, and four individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Skoog's background, management experience, and interest in serving her community qualify her to be appointed to the Board of Massage Therapy as a public member. Ms. Skoog is currently the Director of Development at Massage Envy Hawaii, where she has dedicated herself to supporting the professional growth of the company's therapist students and future students who are pursuing careers as licensed massage therapists. Previously, she developed her management and organizational skills as a Clinic Manager and Assistant Manager and Trainer at various Massage Envy regional locations, where she helped lead a team of sixty members to achieve various Massage Envy national awards. Ms. Skoog is recognized by her peers and employees as a positive, empathetic, and compassionate team leader, whose mentorship and support has positively impacted many personally and professionally. Further, Ms. Skoog has established and cultivated collaborative partnerships with local massage schools and has been a guest speaker at various events, where she has shared her insight on ethics in the profession, treatment room management, and resume development. Your Committee notes that Ms. Skoog has served as an interim member of the Board of Massage Therapy and her extensive leadership and career development and business management experience will provide a thoughtful and considerate perspective that will enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Shanon Skoog be appointed to the Board of Massage Therapy based on her experience, background, and dedication to her community.

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