GM 534

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1907

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 534, 657, 711

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 534, 657, and 711, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Dentistry

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Steven Pine, Joy Shimabuku, and Staphe Fujimoto for service on the Board of Dentistry.

STEVEN PINE

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Steven Pine from the Department of Health, Board of Dentistry, AlohaCare, Hawaii Dental Association, and two individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Pine's experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Board of Dentistry as a dentist member from the County of Hawaii.  Your Committee notes that Dr. Pine has been licensed as a dentist in Hawaii since 2010 and has extensive experience as a dental practitioner in both private practice and in community health settings.  Dr. Pine currently serves as the Chief Dental Officer for the Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center and is an active member in a number of various professional and community organizations that advance patient safety and quality clinical practice in the dental profession.  Your Committee further notes that Dr. Pine has served as an interim member of the Board since July 1, 2024, and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Steven Pine be appointed to the Board of Dentistry based on his knowledge, experience, and dedication to public service.

JOY SHIMABUKU

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Joy Shimabuku from the Board of Dentistry and three individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Shimabuku's knowledge, background, and proven leadership on the Board of Dentistry qualify her for reappointment to the Board as a public member.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Shimabuku has been a salon owner for over fifty years and was first appointed to the Board of Dentistry as a public member in 2022.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Shimabuku has also previously served as a member of the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and the Board of Optometry, providing an important cross-industry perspective to the Board of Dentistry.  Ms. Shimabuku also currently serves as an active member of the Regulated Industries Complaints Office Advisory Committee, further demonstrating her commitment to consumer protection and professional regulation.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Joy Shimabuku be reappointed to the Board of Dentistry based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

STAPHE FUJIMOTO

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Staphe Fujimoto from the Board of Dentistry and two individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Fujimoto's knowledge, background, and proven leadership on the Board of Dentistry qualify him for reappointment to the Board as a dentist member from the City and County of Honolulu.  Your Committee notes that Dr. Fujimoto has been licensed as a dentist in Hawaii since 1985.  Dr. Fujimoto also serves as an examiner for dental licensure exams, playing a crucial role in determining a person's qualifications to practice dentistry, and has represented the Board of Dentistry at various national and regional conferences, providing the Board with key knowledge of local and national trends in the dentistry profession.  Your Committee further notes that Dr. Fujimoto previously served on the Board of Dental Examiners, including serving as its Chairperson, and his experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Board of Dentistry.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Staphe Fujimoto be reappointed to the Board of Dentistry based on his experience, knowledge, and desire to contribute to the community.

     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,