STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1631

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 585, 586, 587, 588, 589, 590

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 585, 586, 587, 588, 589, and 590, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee

 

G.M. No. 585

CODY BONILLA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2019;

 

G.M. No. 586

ERIC ISHIDA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2020;

 

G.M. No. 587

GERALD WRIGHT,

for a term to expire 06-30-2020;

 

G.M. No. 588

JOSEPH HEW,

for a term to expire 06-30-2020;

 

G.M. No. 589

KARLSON PUNG,

for a term to expire 06-30-2019; and

 

G.M. No. 590

MICHAEL HAYASHI,

for a term to expire 06-30-2020,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Cody Bonilla, Eric Ishida, Gerald Wright, Joseph Hew, Karlson Pung, and Michael Hayashi to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee.

 

CODY BONILLA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Cody Bonilla for reappointment from the Department of Health and two individuals.

 

     Mr. Bonilla currently serves as a Mobile Intensive Care Technician and Injury Prevention Coordinator for American Medical Response.  In his role as a Mobile Intensive Care Technician, Mr. Bonilla provides competent medical attention for the County of Kauai in various situations, including medical emergencies, controlled medical transports, medical standbys, and community events.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Bonilla is an active community member and is former Vice President and former President of the Kauai Paramedic Association.  Additionally, Mr. Bonilla volunteers with assisting youth sports leagues.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Bonilla has served on the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee since 2014 and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of committee members.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Bonilla's professional leadership, paramedic experience, and community service qualify him for reappointment to the Committee.

 

ERIC ISHIDA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Eric Ishida for reappointment from the Department of Health and two individuals.

 

     Mr. Ishida currently works for American Medical Response as a Mobile Intensive Care Technician and Ambulance Station Supervisor.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Ishida has thirty-two years of experience working as an emergency medical services provider, including roles as an emergency medical technician, paramedic, air ambulance medic, and emergency room registered nurse.  In his personal statement, Mr. Ishida indicated that he hopes to expand the use of community paramedicine in Hawaii to help reduce the number of emergency room visits and 911 calls.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Ishida has served on the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee since 2012 and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of committee members.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Ishida's knowledge, emergency medical services experience, and role as a resident of the County of Kauai qualify him for reappointment to the Committee.

 

GERALD WRIGHT

 

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

 

     Mr. Wright presently works for American Medical Response as a Mobile Intensive Care Technician and Operations Team Leader at the Hana ambulance station.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Wright has over twenty-five years of experience with the Maui and Hawaii emergency medical services community, including work with the Hana Medical Center, Hawaii Air Ambulance as a flight medic, and American Medical Response as a county Safety Officer.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Wright served as President of the Maui County Paramedics Association for two years and has experience as a contract negotiator and teacher.  In his personal statement, Mr. Wright indicated that he hopes to improve aeromedical services and the communications systems that affect emergency medical services, particularly in rural areas.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Wright's experience, skills, and familiarity with emergency medical services on Maui will greatly benefit the Committee.

 

JOSEPH HEW

 

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

 

     Dr. Hew is a retired gastroenterologist and long-time resident of Maui.  According to testimony, Dr. Hew is very knowledgeable about Hawaii's unique medical needs.  Your Committee finds that Dr. Hew has been an active member in the medical community and has served on various committees to address issues including quality of care, fraud and abuse, accreditation, and utilization of hospital resources.  Your Committee notes that Dr. Hew was closely involved with improving communications, response time, and gastroenterology emergency services at Maui Memorial Medical Center.  In his personal statement, Dr. Hew indicated that he hopes to advance the scope, quality, and accessibility of emergency medical services in Hawaii, particularly in case of a large-scale emergency.  Your Committee finds that Dr. Hew's knowledge, leadership experience, and commitment to quality medical care will be assets to the Committee.

 

KARLSON PUNG

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Karlson Pung for appointment from the Department of Health and four individuals.

 

     Mr. Pung is currently the Operations Manager for Hawaii County at American Medical Response, where he plays a key role in employee relations and is a liaison between American Medical Response and the Hawaii County Fire Department.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Pung has close to twenty-seven years of experience in the emergency medical services industry and has served in a management role for much of that time while still working occasionally in the field as a paramedic.  Mr. Pung is an involved community member and has coordinated local disaster response as well as served on the State Health Planning and Development Agency Sub-Area Council Board.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Pung was also appointed to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee in 2011 and fully understands the role and responsibilities of committee members.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Pung's knowledge of the emergency medical services system in Hawaii, as well as his demonstrated commitment to public service, will be assets to the Committee.

 

MICHAEL HAYASHI

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Michael Hayashi for appointment from the Department of Health, Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, and two individuals.

 

     Dr. Hayashi is the Trauma Medical Director and a Board Certified Surgical Intensivist practicing at The Queen's Medical Center.  Your Committee finds that Dr. Hayashi is an established surgeon with experience in acute care, trauma, and critical care.  Your Committee notes that Dr. Hayashi serves on the Hawaii Trauma Advisory Council and is actively involved with numerous committees at The Queen's Medical Center as well as the Surgical Residency Program at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine.  Dr. Hayashi also volunteers with career programs and health fairs at various local schools, and at the Legislative Health Fair at the Hawaii State Capitol.  In his personal statement, Dr. Hayashi indicated that he hopes to provide valuable insight into trauma care and trauma services in Hawaii.  Your Committee finds that Dr. Hayashi's medical knowledge, trauma care experience, and dedication to serving the community will be very beneficial to the Committee.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health 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, Consumer Protection, and Health,

 

 

 

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair