STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3487

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 779, 780

 

 

 

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 779 and 780, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Board of Physical Therapy

 

G.M. No. 779

DEBRA KUBOTA,

for a term to expire 6-30-2015; and

 

G.M. No. 780

NEIL SHIMABUKURO,

for a term to expire 6-30-2016,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Debra Kubota and Neil Shimabukuro to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Board of Physical Therapy.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Debra Kubota from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Kaiser Permanente, Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, and thirteen individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Kubota's background as a licensed physical therapist, commitment to the community, and leadership experience qualify her for appointment to the Board of Physical Therapy.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Kubota has been a physical therapist in Hawaii for over three decades and has extensive experience in several physical therapy settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Kubota is actively involved with community and professional organizations.  She has attended Board of Physical Therapy meetings since 2005 as the Chair of the Hawaii chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association's Board of Physical Therapy Liaison Committee.  Ms. Kubota has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibility of board members and has been appointed to the Board of Physical Therapy based on her knowledge, experience, and dedication to the public and the profession of physical therapy.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Neil Shimabukuro from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, StayFIT Physical Therapy, LLC, and two individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Shimabukuro's experience as a licensed physical therapist, dedication to serving the community, and interest in improving the standards of physical therapy in the State qualify him for appointment to the Board of Physical Therapy.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Shimabukuro has been a physical therapist for twelve years, and has worked in a variety of practice settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, home physical therapy companies, and private practice.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Shimabukuro is active in his community and is interested in continuing to serve his community as a member of the Board of Physical Therapy.  Mr. Shimabukuro has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibility of board members and has been appointed to the Board of Physical Therapy based on his knowledge, experience, and interest in maintaining and improving the education and qualifications of physical therapists in Hawaii.

 

     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,

 

 

 

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair