STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3985

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 735

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. 735, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants

G.M. No. 735

TAO YAN for a term to expire 06-30-2030,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Tao Yan for service on the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Tao Yan from the Department of Health.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Yan's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants as a member who is a member of the engineering (environmental or sanitary) faculty of a university or college in the State. Your Committee notes that Dr. Yan has nearly three decades of research experience in engineering and environmental science, including eighteen years as an engineering educator, and currently works as the Director of the University of Hawaii at Manoa(UHM) Water Resources Research Center, where he promotes and facilitates research collaboration related to water resources sustainability and community resilience across the University and the State. At the same time, Dr. Yan is a professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering at the UHM, teaching multiple undergraduate and graduate environmental engineering courses related to wastewater. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Yan is an active member in his profession and has contributed extensively to a wide range of peer-reviewed journal publications, academic presentations, and research projects, as reflected in his extensive curriculum vitae, which also includes numerous honors, awards, teaching experience, and affiliations with professional organizations. Your Committee finds that Dr. Yan has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in engineering research and education will enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Tao Yan be appointed 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 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