STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3818

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 580, 581

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. 580 and 581, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Dentistry

G.M. No. 580	CHRISTOPHER WOO for a term to expire 06-30-2029; and
G.M. No. 581	GERI YOUNG 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 Christopher Woo and Geri Young for service on the Board of Dentistry.

CHRISTOPHER WOO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Christopher Woo from the Board of Dentistry and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Woo's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Board of Dentistry as a licensed dentist member from the City and County of Honolulu. During the course of Dr. Woo's career in dentistry of over four decades, he has gained considerable experience in clinical practice and instruction and has been in private practice in the State since 1984. Dr. Woo is a Fellow in the Academy of Dentistry International and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. Dr. Woo is also active in the development of the dentistry profession and is a member and mentor with the Academy of Richard V. Tucker Study Club of Hawaii and a member of the Hawaii Tanaka Dental Study Club. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Woo has served as an interim member of the Board of Dentistry since 2025 and has an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Christopher Woo be appointed to the Board of Dentistry based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

GERI YOUNG

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Geri Young from the Board of Dentistry and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Young's background in medicine, leadership, and governance, and dedication to serving the public, qualify her to be appointed to the Board of Dentistry as a public member. Your Committee notes that Dr. Young is currently Executive Director of Puʻulu Lapaʻau Hawaiʻi Program for Healthcare Professionals, following her forty-two year career in clinical practice and leadership as a pediatrician. Previously, Dr. Young was Chief Medical Officer at Kauaʻi Medical Clinic and Kauaʻi Medical Director at Hawaiʻi Pacific Health Medical Group. Dr. Young has also been an Assistant Clinical Professor at the John A. Burns School of Medicine since 2004. Dr. Young is an active member of the medical community and is currently a member of the Kauaʻi Rural Health Association and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Young previously served on the Hawaii Medical Board from 2018 to 2025. Your Committee finds that Dr. Young's experience in evaluating providers for licensure will enable her to contribute to the effectiveness of the Board of Dentistry. Your Committee therefore recommends that Geri Young be appointed to the Board of Dentistry based on her extensive professional experience 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,

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JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair