STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1034

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2005

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, and 160, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs

G.M. No. 152

BERNADETTE GRUZINSKY,

for a term to expire 06-30-2007;

G.M. No. 153

JOHN R. HOFF,

for a term to expire 06-30-2008;

G.M. No. 154

JULIE JOW,

for a term to expire 06-30-2008;

G.M. No. 155

HAROLD K. KOZUMA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2008;

G.M. No. 156

DONALD K. MATSUI,

for a term to expire 06-30-2006;

G.M. No. 157

SANDRA S. RONGITSCH,

for a term to expire 06-30-2008;

G.M. No. 158

RUTH S. STEPULIS,

for a term to expire 06-30-2008;

 

 

G.M. No. 159

DIANE M. STOWELL,

for a term to expire 06-30-2008; and

G.M. No. 160

KEN TAKEUCHI,

for a term to expire 06-30-2008,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees, and finds the nominees to have the necessary qualifications to be appointed to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.

Testimony in support of BERNADETTE GRUZINSKY was submitted by the Executive Office on Aging and an individual. Mrs. Gruzinsky is a volunteer with Project DANA, Hospice Hawaii, and Ho'o Pono of Hawaii and is an active member of Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society. Currently, she is a student at Kapiolani Community College working towards her occupational therapy degree with a geriatric specialty. Her work experience includes employment with the Palolo Chinese Home.

Testimony in support of JOHN R. HOFF was submitted by the Executive Office on Aging. Mr. Hoff is a licensed general and landscaping contractor and had also served as a certified substitute teacher for the Department of Education on Kauai. His community skills include serving as a two term President of the AARP Lihue Chapter and volunteering his free time to organizations such as the American Red Cross, Kauai Senior Centers, and other community advocacy groups. He is the founder and chairman of "A Grip on Life", a program designed to make homes safe for seniors by installing safety bars for seniors to hold on to in hazardous areas for their homes.

Testimony in support of JULIE JOW was submitted by the Executive Office on Aging, Hawaii Society of Certified Public Accountants (HSPCA), and ten individuals. Ms. Jow is an independent certified public accountant with Linsco/Private Ledger and specializes in small business retirement planning. She serves as treasurer for the Hawaii chapter of the Financial Planning Association and currently chairs the HSPCA Financial Planning Committee. Her diverse financial background fulfills an important role on this board.

Testimony in support of HAROLD K. KOZUMA was submitted by the Executive Office on Aging and the County of Hawaii Office on Aging. Mr. Kozuma is a retired and distinguished educator from the University of Hawaii at Hilo. He has been a strong advocate for both aging and education issues concerning the Big Island community and holds a bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degree in psychology.

Testimony in support of DONALD K. MATSUI was submitted by the Executive Office of Aging. Mr. Matsui has a degree in education and was employed as a full time teacher for the Department of Education for more than thirty years. Currently, he remains a substitute teacher for Lanai School. In his retirement, Mr. Matsui has also been active in the community as a member of the Lanai Senior Organization and Council on Aging Commission.

Testimony in support of SANDRA S. RONGITSCH was submitted by the Executive Office of Aging, Hale Makua Home Health Care Agency, and three individuals. Ms. Rongitsch received her bachelor's in psychology and master's in social work from the University of Hawaii. She has over twenty years of experience as a social worker and is currently employed in long term care and elder care settings with Hale Makua Home Health. Furthermore, she is a strong advocate for quality elder care by volunteering her time with the Council on Aging and Alzheimer Association Advisory Committee.

Testimony in support of RUTH S. STEPULIS was submitted by the Executive Office of Aging, Department of Community Services, Arcadia, and an individual. Mrs. Stepulis has been a registered nurse since 1960 and is certified in gerontological nursing. She is a recent retiree from a lifelong career in nursing and volunteers her free time in various church and community endeavors. Mrs. Stepulis' professional credentials and employment will provide a valuable asset in the work of the committee.

Testimony in support of DIANE M. STOWELL was submitted by the Executive Office of Aging. Mrs. Stowell is a retired marriage and family therapist who volunteers as a mediator and board member for Mediation Center of the Pacific. Her interest in care for the elderly stems from her experience caring for her mother as she suffered from Alzheimer's disease. Currently, she continues to counsel part time and works with a partner on cases for Restorative Justice.

Testimony in support of KEN TAKEUCHI was submitted by the Executive Office of Aging, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Department of Community Services, and the Department of Human Services. Mr. Takeuchi obtained his bachelor of arts and master's in social work from the University of Hawaii and is a licensed social worker. He is the director of hospital clinical operations for Leahi Hospital and has held a managerial position with St. Francis Medical Center. As a participant in the community he has volunteered his time with Lanakila Senior Center Policy Advisory Board, Maluhia Home Health Advisory Board, Honolulu Committee on Aging, and Senior Companion Respite Advisory Board.

Your Committee members diligently questioned the present nominees on their vision and priorities regarding identifying issues and alternative approaches to solutions, developing position statements and papers, advising the director on legislative advocacy and actions, and offering advice on program development and operations for elderly care. The nominees demonstrated a commitment to proactively protect and improve the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs. Your Committee believes that the nominees adequately responded to the Committee's inquiries.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is 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 Health,

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair