GM 700

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1868

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 699, 700

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. 699 and 700, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Board of Directors of the Hawai'i Health Systems Corporation

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Lisa Rantz and Leslie Kimura for service on the Board of Directors of the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation.

LISA RANTZ

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Lisa Rantz from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, Hawaiʻi State Rural Health Association, Hilo Benioff Medical Center Foundation, Hawaiʻi Care Choices, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation-East Hawaii Region, Hawaii Medical Association, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation-West Hawaii Region, and ten individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Rantz's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Board of Directors of the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation qualify her for reappointment to the Board as an at-large voting member.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Rantz has over a decade of experience in health care policy, nonprofit leadership, and workforce development and has expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and coalition building.  Ms. Rantz has been serving as the Executive Director of the Hilo Benioff Medical Center Foundation and as the Director of the Foundation's Hawaii Island Area Health Education Center since 2014.  In her role as Executive Director, Ms. Rantz has helped identify, facilitate, and create program opportunities to address the health care needs of Hawaii island residents, including actively engaging with community stakeholders to develop infrastructure to recruit and retain health care providers and lobbying local, state, and federal legislators to support health care policy and appropriate funding.  Your Committee further notes Ms. Rantz's extensive history of community service, including her previous service as the President of the Hawaii State Rural Health Association since 2019, and member of the Hawaii Medical Education Council.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Rantz has been serving on the Board since 2024 and therefore has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of its mentors.  Your Committee believes that Ms. Rantz's experience and knowledge will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Lisa Rantz be reappointed to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

LESLIE KIMURA

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Leslie Kimura from the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation; Hawaii Health Systems Corporation-East Hawaii Region; Dodo Mortuary, Inc.; ʻAha Pūnana Leo; Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii; and two individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Kimura's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Board of Directors of the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation qualify her for reappointment to the Board as a member who resides in the Eastern section of the County of Hawaii.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Kimura has extensive experience as a cultural leader who advocates for cultural preservation and community well‑being and exemplifies the harmonization of traditional Hawaiian culture with modern scientific advancements.  Ms. Kimura has been serving as the Executive Director for the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center at the University of Hawaii Hilo since 2010.  Ms. Kimura has worked in a variety of roles since joining the Center in 2001, including serving as a Hawaiian Curriculum Coordinator and Hawaiian Content Research Specialist.  In her role as Executive Director, Ms. Kimura has brought the history, cultural values, and important perspectives of Kānaka Maoli into the forefront of innovation in astronomy education and space exploration.  Your Committee further notes Ms. Kimura's extensive history of community service, including her current service as First Vice President for the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hawaii, board member for Parker Manoa Heritage Center, and her past service as a board member for the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce and Hawaii Island Workforce and Economic Development ʻOhana, and as the Treasurer for ʻAha Pūnana Leo.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Kimura has been serving as Chairperson of the Board since 2021, and therefore has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of its members.  Your Committee believes that Ms. Kimura's experience and knowledge will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Leslie Kimura be reappointed to the Board of Directors of the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment 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,