GM 706

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1984

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 706

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 No. 706, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Brian Chen for service on the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Brian Chen from the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology and three individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Chen's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology qualify him for reappointment to the Board as a public member who is licensed to practice medicine in this State and certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.  Your Committee notes that Dr. Chen has over ten years of medical practice experience and has been a licensed physician in Hawaii since 2018.  Dr. Chen is currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Medical Corps and serves as the Residency Program Director of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Tripler Army Medical Center.  Previously, Dr. Chen served in various other leadership positions at Tripler Army Medical Center, including as Assistant Chief of Otolaryngology, Medical Director of Audiology Services, and Director of the Cochlear Implant Program.  Dr. Chen is double board certified in General Otolaryngology and as a neurotologist.  In these capacities, Dr. Chen directly supervises and works alongside speech language pathologists and audiologists and understands their roles and the importance of their work.  Additionally, Dr. Chen serves on a number of professional organizations, including the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, American Neurotology Society, and Society of Military Otolaryngologists.  Your Committee further notes that Dr. Chen has served on the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology since 2020 and his expertise will continue to be assets to the Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Brian Chen be reappointed to the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection 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 Commerce and Consumer Protection,