GM 522: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Fuel Tank Advisory Committee, Gubernatorial Nominee, MELANIE LAU, for a term to expire 06-30-2028.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1503

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 522

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 522, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Fuel Tank Advisory Committee

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Melanie Lau for service on the Fuel Tank Advisory Committee.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Melanie Lau from the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Environmental Caucus of The Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, Red Hill Community Representation Initiative, Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi, and nine individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Lau's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify her for appointment to the Fuel Tank Advisory Committee as a public member from the community at large.  Your Committee notes that Dr. Lau has over thirty years of experience as a Licensed Physician, serving in private practice from 1994-2019 and then serving at the Straub Benioff Medical Center–Kapolei Clinic & Urgent Care from 2019-2024.  During the course of Dr. Lau's career, she has gained broad experience and knowledge about the health care field and how to gather evidence, evaluate alternatives, and present solutions or options to patients to arrive at a shared decision or plan of action, which will enhance the effectiveness of the Fuel Tank Advisory Committee.  Your Committee further notes that Dr. Lau has served as a member of the Fuel Tank Advisory Committee since 2019 and has also previously attended Fuel Tank Advisory Committee meetings as a community member representative of the Moanalua Valley Community Association and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Melanie Lau be appointed to the Fuel Tank Advisory Committee based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,