GM 538: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs, Gubernatorial Nominee, GARY SIMON, for a term to expire 06-30-2028.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1502

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 578, 538, 634

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 Nos. 578, 538, and 634, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Marilyn Seely, Gary Simon, and Sara Medeiros for service on the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.

MARILYN SEELY

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Marilyn Seely from the Executive Office on Aging and six individuals. 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Seely's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Seely has extensive experience in the fields of aging, long-term care planning, and public health, including serving as the Director of the Executive Office on Aging for eight years and as a long term care planner for the Executive Office on Aging for over ten years.  Ms. Seely is currently a member of numerous boards of directors, including those of Hospice Hawaii Inc.; Kokua Council; and Kokua Mau; and is an active participant in the Hawaii State Legislature's Kupuna Caucus.  Previously, Ms. Seely served as a member of the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs from 2011 to 2019 and from 2020 to 2023, and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of its members.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Marilyn Seely be appointed to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

GARY SIMON

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Gary Simon from the Executive Office on Aging, AARP Hawaiʻi, and two individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Simon's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Simon has over thirty-five years of experience working in the health care field, with many years focusing on aging and elderly patients.  Mr. Simon is currently the Director of Corporate Affairs and Advocacy at the St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaiʻi, which provides care for the terminally ill.  Previously, Mr. Simon was the Executive Director for the hospice care program at St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaiʻi, where he provided care, comfort, and support to terminally ill patients and their families.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Simon previously served on the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs from 2016 to 2022, including serving as its chair, and therefore has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of its members.  Your Committee believes Mr. Simon's extensive experience in health care will enhance the effectiveness of the Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Gary Simon be appointed to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

SARA MEDEIROS

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Sara Medeiros from the Executive Office on Aging and two individuals. 

     Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the appointment of Sara Medeiros from one individual.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Medeiros' background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.   Your Committee notes that Ms. Medeiros is currently retired after approximately thirty years of experience in the education field as a public school teacher, where she worked with many students who were raised by their grandparents, giving her an understanding of the social, economic, and health care issues that kupuna face.  Ms. Medeiros' professional experience also includes fourteen years in the public relations field, working for the Hawaiian Electric Company, which will further benefit the board in advocating for aging and caregiving issues.  Your Committee further notes that Ms. Medeiros has served as an interim member of the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of its members.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Sara Medeiros be appointed to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services 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 Health and Human Services,