STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3759

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 619, 648, 679

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2018

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 619, 648, and 679, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Board of Massage Therapy

 

G.M. No. 619

PAULA BEHNKEN,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022;

 

G.M. No. 648

OLIVIA NAGASHIMA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022; and

 

G.M. No. 679

STEPHANIE BATH,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Paula Behnken, Olivia Nagashima, and Stephanie Bath for service on the Board of Massage Therapy.

 

PAULA BEHNKEN

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Paula Behnken from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and three individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Behnken's background, commitment to public service, and proven leadership on the Board of Massage Therapy qualify her to be nominated for reappointment to the Board of Massage Therapy as a public member.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Behnken was previously employed in an administrative capacity at the Maui School of Therapeutic Massage, a position which enabled her to gain familiarity with the practice of massage therapy.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Behnken has been a member of the Board of Massage Therapy since 2015 and has assisted in the updating of the Board's administrative rules to more clearly and concisely define the scope of practice and standards of care for licensed massage therapists.  Ms. Behnken also currently serves as the Vice Chair for the Board of Massage Therapy and her insights as a public member continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Behnken be reappointed to the Board of Massage Therapy based on her experience, background, and dedication to public service.

 

OLIVIA NAGASHIMA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Olivia Nagashima from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and four individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Nagashima's background, knowledge, and prior experience on the Board of Massage Therapy qualify her to be nominated for appointment to the Board of Massage Therapy as a licensee member.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Nagashima has been a licensed massage therapist since 1996; is the owner, principal, and sponsoring therapist of Koolau Massage; and serves as department chair of the massage therapy program at Remington College – Honolulu Campus.  Ms. Nagashima is also an active member and current President of the Hawaii Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Nagashima has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members by virtue of her prior service on the Board of Massage Therapy from 2008 to 2016, where she also served as past Chair, and her extensive experience in the field of massage therapy will once again be an asset to the Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Nagashima be appointed to the Board of Massage Therapy based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment to serving her community.

 


STEPHANIE BATH

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Stephanie Bath from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and six individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Bath's knowledge, background, and proven experience on the Board of Massage Therapy qualify her to be nominated for reappointment to the Board of Massage Therapy as a licensee member.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Bath has been a licensed massage therapist since 1981 and is a licensed massage therapist in private practice in Hilo, Hawaii.  Ms. Bath is also an active member of her community, including serving as a volunteer with the American Red Cross and the Hawaii County Community Emergency Response Team Program.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Bath previously served on the Board of Massage Therapy from 1987 until 1992 and has been a current member of the Board since April 2014, where she has been assisting in proposed revisions to the Board's administrative rules.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Bath's extensive knowledge gained during her many years as a licensed massage therapist has been invaluable to the Board's discussions and therefore recommends that Ms. Bath be reappointed to the Board of Massage Therapy based on her experience, background, and dedication to public service.

 

     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