STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3856

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 505, 579

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 505 and 579, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Dentistry

G.M. No. 505	TIMMY HIRANO for a term to expire 06-30-2029; and
G.M. No. 579	JULIE TANABE GOO 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 Timmy Hirano and Julie Tanabe Goo for service on the Board of Dentistry.

TIMMY HIRANO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Timmy Hirano from the Board of Dentistry, Hawaii Dental Association, and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Hirano's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Board of Dentistry as a licensed dentist member from Kauai. Dr. Hirano has been licensed as a dentist in Hawaii and the owner and operator of his private dental practice, Hirano and Hirano D.D.S., L.L.C., since 1990, where he provides comprehensive dental care, including restorative and preventive services to the general public. Your Committee notes that Dr. Hirano is an active member of the American Dental Association, Hawaii Dental Association, and Kauai County Dental Society. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Hirano has served as an interim member of the Board of Dentistry since 2025 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee finds that Dr. Hirano's experience in private practice and knowledge of contemporary dental technologies and practices will continue to be assets to the Board of Dentistry. Your Committee therefore recommends that Timmy Hirano be appointed to the Board of Dentistry based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

JULIE TANABE GOO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Julie Tanabe Goo from the Board of Dentistry, Hawaii Dental Association, and six individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Tanabe Goo's background, experience, and dedication to public service qualify her for appointment to the Board of Dentistry as a licensed dentist member from the City and County of Honolulu. Your Committee notes that Dr. Tanabe Goo has been in private practice as a dentist in Honolulu since 1996. Dr. Tanabe Goo is also a Dental Consultant at Hawaii Dental Service, supporting the processing and adjudication of dental insurance claims. Dr. Tanabe Goo contributes to her profession as a member and past President of the Oahu Professionals Dental Seminar Study Group and is also a member of the American Dental Association, Hawaii Dental Association, and Honolulu County Dental Society. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Tanabe Goo has served as an interim member of the Board of Dentistry since 2026 and her experience and knowledge will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Julie Tanabe Goo be appointed to the Board of Dentistry based on her experience, knowledge, 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