STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3915

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 745, 776

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. 745 and 776, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Hawaii Medical Board

G.M. No. 745	ELIZABETH IGNACIO for a term to expire 06-30-2030; and
G.M. No. 776	REBECCA SAWAI for a term to expire 06-30-2030,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Elizabeth Ignacio and Rebecca Sawai for service on the Hawaii Medical Board.

ELIZABETH IGNACIO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Elizabeth Ignacio from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, Hawaii Medical Board, Hawaii Medical Association, Hawaii Medical Service Association, and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Ignacio's experience in the medical profession and on the Hawaii Medical Board qualify her for reappointment to the Hawaii Medical Board as a licensed physician member from the County of Maui. Your Committee notes that Dr. Ignacio is a board certified surgeon and diagnostic and interventional radiologist with more than twenty-five years of experience in clinical practice, physician advocacy, and outreach. Dr. Ignacio has held a medical license in Hawaii since 2010 and currently works in diagnostic and interventional radiology at Hawaii Pacific Health Medical Group in Honolulu and Lihue and at Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates and Maui Diagnostic Imaging on Maui. Dr. Ignacio is also a Clinical Educator in the Department of Surgery at the John A. Burns School of Medicine and an Assistant Clinical Professor of Interventional Radiology at George Washington University Medical Center. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Ignacio has been serving on the Hawaii Medical Board since 2022. Your Committee finds that Dr. Ignacio's professional experience and thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of board members will continue to be assets to the Hawaii Medical Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Elizabeth Ignacio be reappointed to the Hawaii Medical Board based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

REBECCA SAWAI

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Rebecca Sawai from the Hawaii Medical Board and Kaiser Permanente.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Sawai's background, knowledge, and experience on the Hawaii Medical Board qualify her for reappointment to the Hawaii Medical Board as a licensed physician member from the City and County of Honolulu. Your Committee notes that Dr. Sawai has been a practicing physician and has held a medical license in Hawaii since 2008. Dr. Sawai has been an Attending Surgeon in Colon and Rectal Surgery and General Surgery at Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center since 2008 and currently serves as Medical Director of Clinical Risk and Quality Assurance at Hawaii Permanente Medical Group. Dr. Sawai also contributes to her profession as President of the Hawaii Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Sawai has been serving on the Hawaii Medical Board since 2022 and was appointed by her Board peers as Legislative Liaison for the 2024 legislative session, providing clinical and professional support to the Executive Officer. Your Committee finds that Dr. Sawai's experience and knowledge will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Hawaii Medical Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Rebecca Sawai be reappointed to the Hawaii Medical Board based on her background, 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