SSCR3821

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3821

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 508, 612

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. 508 and 612, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Physical Therapy

G.M. No. 508

CYNTHIA TAMAYO,

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

G.M. No. 612

MICHELE CHEE,

for a term to expire 06-30-2028,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Cynthia Tamayo and Michele Chee for service on the Board of Physical Therapy.

CYNTHIA TAMAYO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Cynthia Tamayo from the Board of Physical therapy and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Tamayo's background, experience, and dedication to community service qualify her to be reappointed to the Board of Physical Therapy as a licensed physical therapist member. Ms. Tamayo has served as a member of the Board of Physical Therapy since 2019. Since September 2020, she has served as the Chairperson of the Board of Physical Therapy, after having previously served as the Board's Vice Chairperson. Ms. Tamayo is currently employed as the Regional Director of Rehabilitation Services for the Maui Health System, where she oversees clinical physical therapy services in multiple care settings, implements policies for clinical activities, and performs budget and other fiscal management duties. Previously, she gained considerable physical therapy management experience through her work as the Manager of Rehabilitation Services for Shriners Hospitals for Children and, prior to that, with St. Francis Medical Center-West. Your Committee finds that Ms. Tamayo's leadership, longstanding participation as a member of the Board of Physical Therapy, and more than thirty years of physical therapy experience, will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Cynthia Tamayo be reappointed to the Board of Physical Therapy based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

MICHELE CHEE

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Dr. Michele Chee from the Board of Physical Therapy and Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Chee's leadership, background, and experience qualify her to be appointed to the Board of Physical Therapy as a licensed physical therapist member. Dr. Chee has been serving as an interim member of the Board of Physical Therapy and currently works as the Director of Rehabilitation Services for the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Honolulu. In her role, Dr. Chee provides leadership and guidance for the rehabilitation department on staffing, regulatory compliance, and departmental initiatives that support the organization's mission to improve the lives of keiki in need. Previously, Dr. Chee worked as a licensed physical therapist for the organization for eighteen years and obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2013. In addition to her primary work responsibilities, Dr. Chee is a member of multiple professional organizations, such as the Rehab Executive Council for Shriners Children's and the Hawaii Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association. Your Committee finds that Dr. Chee, with her extensive management and clinical physical therapy experience that spans more than twenty-five years, will provide a thoughtful and considerate perspective that will enhance the work of the Board of Physical Therapy. Your Committee therefore recommends that Michele Chee be appointed to the Board of Physical Therapy based on her leadership, background, and dedication 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,

____________________________

JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair