GM 575: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee, Gubernatorial Nominee, KENNETH FARIA JR., for a term to expire 06-30-2028.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1850

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 525, 526, 540, 541, 548, 575

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. 525, 526, 540, 541, 548, and 575, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Cy O'Brien, Jacob Pekelo, Patrick Loeffler, Ann Young, Maren Anka, and Kenneth Faria Jr. for service on the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee.

CY O'BRIEN

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Cy O'Brien from the Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch of the Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee, and one individual.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. O'Brien's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee as a member of an allied health profession related to emergency medical services representing the County of Kauai.  Your Committee notes that Mr. O'Brien has been a firefighter for the Kauai Fire Department since 2018, and has received numerous certifications for the provision of emergency response services.  Mr. O'Brien currently serves as the Kauai Fire Department's Emergency Medical Services Cadre Director, in charge of training staff on the provision of medical services and ensuring that high standards of care are maintained across all levels of emergency response.  Previously, Mr. O'Brien gained extensive leadership experience serving as a manager for numerous retail establishments.  Your Committee finds that Mr. O'Brien has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in emergency response, fire prevention, and medical services will enhance the effectiveness of the Advisory Committee.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Cy O'Brien be appointed to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

JACOB PEKELO

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Jacob Pekelo from the Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch of the Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee, and one individual.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Pekelo's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee as a member of an allied health profession related to emergency medical services representing the City and County of Honolulu.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Pekelo has been a firefighter for the Honolulu Fire Department since 2001.  He is currently the Acting Battalion Chief for the Department's Training and Research Bureau, responsible for the oversight and management of various training programs and ensuring that his colleagues remain highly skilled and prepared for any emergency scenario.  Mr. Pekelo has also been the Bureau's Fire Captain since 2019, and has led initiatives in career development, hazardous material response, and weapons of mass destruction preparedness.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Pekelo has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in fire, medical, and rescue operations will enhance the effectiveness of the Advisory Committee.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Jacob Pekelo be appointed to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

PATRICK LOEFFLER

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Patrick Loeffler from the Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch of the Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee, and one individual.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Loeffler's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee as a member who is a physician experienced in the conduct and delivery of emergency medical services, engaged in the practice of emergency medicine, and board-eligible or board‑certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM).  Your Committee notes that Dr. Loeffler is an emergency medicine physician who received his ABEM-certification in emergency medicine in 2022 and emergency medical services in 2023.  Dr. Loeffler earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from and completed his emergency medicine residency and emergency medical services fellowship training at the Augusta University Medical College of Georgia.  Dr. Loeffler has been serving as an emergency room physician since July 2022 at the Pali Momi Medical Center and Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women and Children through their partnership with US Acute Care Solutions.  Dr. Loeffler also works as a volunteer during summer at Camp Kudzu, a nonprofit organization in Georgia dedicated to serving children with Type 1 diabetes, where he manages insulin dosages, mentors teens, and holds workshops covering various topics such as diabetes management and bullying.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Loeffler has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his experience as both an emergency medicine physician and emergency medical technician will enhance the effectiveness of the Advisory Committee.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Patrick Loeffler be appointed to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

ANN YOUNG

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Ann Young from the Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch of the Department of Health and Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Young's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee as a member who is a physician experienced in the conduct and delivery of emergency medical services, engaged in the practice of pediatrics, and board-eligible or board‑certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.  Your Committee notes that Dr. Young is a pediatric emergency medicine physician who received her certification from the American Academy of Pediatrics Board in 2019.  Dr. Young earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Baylor College of Medicine, completed her pediatrics residency at Texas Children's Hospital, and completed her pediatric emergency medicine fellowship training at Boston Children's Hospital.  Dr. Young has been serving as one of the fifteen board‑certified pediatric emergency medicine physicians at Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women and Children since March 2024.  Your Committee further notes Dr. Young's passion for medical education, evidenced by her various teaching engagements at medical institutions and universities in Texas and Massachusetts.  Your Committee finds that Dr. Young has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her experience as a pediatric emergency medicine physician will enhance the effectiveness of the Advisory Committee.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ann Young be appointed to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

MAREN ANKA

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Maren Anka from the Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch of the Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee, and one individual.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Anka's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee qualify her for appointment to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee as a member from the County of Maui, who is a mobile intensive care technician or emergency medical technician (EMT) engaged in the practice of pre-hospital emergency medical services.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Anka has over ten years of experience in providing emergency medical services as an EMT-paramedic certified in the State and registered in the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.  Ms. Anka is certified as a MedEvac flight crew, and has been serving as a health and safety officer with American Medical Response-Maui County, where she is one of a select group of EMT-paramedics that actively staffs the Maui medical evacuation helicopter stations.  Your Committee further notes that Ms. Anka has been serving as an adjunct emergency medical services instructor and lecturer at Kapiolani Community College since 2016, teaching a diverse range of courses related to emergency medical response and services.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Anka has been serving on the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee since February 2022 and therefore has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of its members.  Ms. Anka's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Maren Anka be reappointed to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

KENNETH FARIA JR.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kenneth Faria Jr. from the Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch of the Department of Health; United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO; Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee; and five individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Faria's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee as a member from the City and County of Honolulu, who is a mobile intensive care technician or emergency medical technician engaged in the practice of pre-hospital emergency medical services.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Faria has over twenty years of experience serving the public as a member of the Honolulu Emergency Medical Services Department.  Mr. Faria advanced through various positions within the Department, beginning as an emergency medical technician from 2004 to 2008 and as a mobile intensive care technician from 2008 to 2012, during which he gained valuable clinical experience in the field of emergency medical response, leading to his service as the Department's Mobile Extensive Care Supervisor from 2012 to 2020.  Mr. Faria has been serving as the Department's Field Operations Supervisor since February 2020, responsible for planning, directing, and supervising the provision of prehospital medical care and emergency ambulance services.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Faria has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience working for the Honolulu Emergency Medical Services Department will enhance the effectiveness of the Advisory Committee.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Kenneth Faria Jr. be appointed to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee based on his 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,