STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3957

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 544

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 544, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Health Planning Council, Windward Oahu Subarea

G.M. No. 544

MIRIAM CHANG for a term to expire 06-30-2029,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Miriam Chang for service on the Health Planning Council, Windward Oahu Subarea.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Miriam Chang from the State Health Planning and Development Agency and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Chang's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Health Planning Council, Windward Oahu Subarea. Your Committee notes that Dr. Chang has over four decades of experience in health care and has been practicing as a family medicine physician in private practice on the Windward side of Oahu for over twenty-five years, more recently engaging in practice emphasizing patient education and community health classes. Previously, Dr. Chang served as Medical Director and a staff physician at Koolauloa Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center that she helped establish, improving access to care and quality of care in Windward Oahu and in the broader Koolauloa region. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Chang is an active member in her community and volunteers with community organizations such as the Hui O Hauula and Lahui Foundation, demonstrating her dedication to the community in which she practices. Your Committee finds that Dr. Chang has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members and her extensive experience in family medicine, home care, and nursing home care will enhance the effectiveness of the Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Miriam Chang be appointed to the Health Planning Council, Windward Oahu Subarea based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

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

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JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair