STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3972

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 548, 549

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 Nos. 548 and 549, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Radiologic Technology Board

G.M. No. 548	KEVIN KANEKO for a term to expire 06-30-2029; and
G.M. No. 549	REIKO NAKAMOTO for a term to expire 06-30-2029,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Kevin Kaneko and Reiko Nakamoto for service on the Radiologic Technology Board.

KEVIN KANEKO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kevin Kaneko from the Department of Health and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Kaneko's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Radiologic Technology Board as a member with at least five years of experience who is certified in the practice of radiography and engaged in the hospital practice of radiography. During the course of Mr. Kaneko's career, he has gained broad experience and knowledge about radiologic technology. Your Committee notes that Mr. Kaneko is a radiologic technologist certified in radiography and vascular interventional radiography by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, who has worked as a General Radiology Staff Technologist and Interventional Radiologic Staff Technologist at Straub Benioff Medical Center since 2007, where he performs general radiography in inpatient, outpatient, and surgical settings. Previously, Mr. Kaneko served as a General Radiology Staff Technologist with Pali Momi Medical Center. Mr. Kaneko is also an active member in his profession and serves as a Clinical Preceptor for Kapiolani Community College's Radiologic Technology program. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Kaneko has served as an interim member of the Radiologic Technology Board since 2025 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Kevin Kaneko be appointed to the Radiologic Technology Board based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

REIKO NAKAMOTO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Reiko Nakamoto from the Department of Health and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Nakamoto's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify her for appointment to the Radiologic Technology Board as a member with at least five years of experience who is certified in the practice of radiography. During the course of Ms. Nakamoto's career, she has gained broad experience and knowledge about radiologic technology. Your Committee notes that Ms. Nakamoto is a radiologic technologist certified in radiography, mammography, and breast sonography by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, who has worked as a Breast Sonographer and Mammography Technologist II at Straub Benioff Medical Center since 2013, where she delivers diagnostic imaging while safeguarding patient safety and quality care. At the same time, Ms. Nakamoto serves as the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Mr. Ojisan Inc. and Mr. Ojisan Neo Bar & Sushi, where she oversees financial operations, strategic planning, and business development, demonstrating strong fiscal management and entrepreneurial leadership. Ms. Nakamoto is also an active member in her profession and volunteered as a committee member of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Nakamoto has served as an interim member of the Radiologic Technology Board since 2025 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Reiko Nakamoto be appointed to the Radiologic Technology Board based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment 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,

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JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair