STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3378

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 564, 565

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 564 and 565, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants

G.M. No. 564	MARIA YAMASHITA, for a term to expire 06-30-2027; and
G.M. No. 565	JON NAKASHIMA, 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 Maria Yamashita and Jon Nakashima for service on the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants.

MARIA YAMASHITA

Your Committee received no testimony on the nomination for the reappointment of Maria Yamashita.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Yamashita's background and experience qualify her for reappointment to the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants as a member from the State agency responsible for the State's water quality program. Your Committee notes that Ms. Yamashita currently serves as Administrator of the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants for the Wastewater Branch of the Department of Health, since 2018. Previously, Ms. Yamashita worked for over a decade in the customer service industry, obtaining valuable communication, time management, and interpersonal skills. Your Committee finds that Ms. Yamashita has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her experience will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Maria Yamashita be reappointed to the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

JON NAKASHIMA

Your Committee received no testimony on the nomination for the reappointment of Jon Nakashima.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Nakashima's background and experience qualify him for reappointment to the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants as a member who is an operator or certified supervisor of a wastewater treatment plant employed by the county of Kauai. Your Committee notes that Mr. Nakashima currently serves as the Superintendent of Operations for the County of Kauai Public Works Department's Wastewater Division, since 2014. Previously, Mr. Nakashima worked sixteen years as a wastewater treatment plant operator for the Eleele and Wailua wastewater treatment plants. Your Committee finds that Mr. Nakashima has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience as a wastewater treatment plant operator will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Jon Nakashima be reappointed to the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services 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 Health and Human Services,

____________________________

JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair