Senate Floor

Will the Senate please come to order? Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

[Roll Call] 23 present. Two excused.

Thank you. The Chair has read the journal of the preceding day and approves the same. Are there any introductions this morning, Senator San Buenaventura.

Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues. Today we have the distinct privilege of recognizing extraordinary individuals. Healthcare professionals who go far beyond their job descriptions, change lives in the most profound ways.

We often think of health care in terms of medicine and science, but what makes it truly powerful is the humanity behind is the steady hand during a terrifying diagnosis, the voice that advocates for a patient when they cannot speak for themselves, and the compassionate heart that turns clinical treatment into genuine healing.

Today, we share the stories of five remarkable individuals whose dedication, expertise and aloha have left an unforgettable mark on the lives of those they serve. I now yield to Senator from District 3.

Senator Kanuha.

Mahalo, Senate President and Senator. San Buenaventura. It is my honor to recognize Dr. Parwati Uma Panikar, a retired dermatologist from the Kaiser Permanente Kona Medical Office. If you could please stand. Dr. Ponaker understands that healing is more than just removing a physical ailment. It is about restoring a person's confidence and peace of mind.

When her patient was diagnosed with a skin cancer that extended well beyond the surfaces, Dr. Ponniker did not just treat the disease, she treated the person. A highly skilled Mohs surgeon, Dr. Ponaker performed voluntary additional surgeries to correct facial scarring, going above and beyond to ensure the best possible aesthetic outcome.

When new concerns arose, she addressed three separate issues in a single course of care. To spare her patient from multiple recoveries, she made herself available on her busiest days, ensuring her patient never felt alone on the journey. For her superior surgical foresight and her gracious, caring spirit, we are proud to honor Dr. Ponoker.

Please give the round of applause. I now yield to the Senator from District 11,

Senator Fukunaga.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the distinct honor of introducing two honorees from my district today. First, I'd like to recognize Kyle Ohissa, a neurology physician assistant at Polymomi Medical Center. Will you please rise to be recognized? Kyle is a provider who looks beyond the complex medical chart to see the unique individual underneath.

When he met one of his patients, he. He didn't just manage a history of seizures. He prioritized the patient's quality of life. Using his exceptional clinical judgment, Kyle carefully transitioned his patient away from medications with harsh side effects, ensuring that instead of being overly sedated, the patient could be alert, happy, and visibly healthy.

Kyle views health care as a collaborative calling to give back to the community that nurtured him. And his impact on this family is a testament to that devotion. Please extend a round of applause to Kyle Ohisa. Thank you very much, Kyle.

Next, I am honored to recognize Dr. Jamie Fukui, a medical oncologist at Kapiolani Medical center for Women and Children and a researcher at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. Dr. Fukui, if you'd please stand to be recognized. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is one of the most terrifying moments in a person's life.

For her patients, Dr. Fukui is the steady, reassuring presence that has made survival possible. She dedicates immense time to answering every question and offering holistic advice that has helped her patients navigate the physical and emotional challenges of cancer. Dr. Fukui bridges the gap between research and clinical care, driving progress for our diverse population.

She doesn't just save lives. She ensures that her patients have the tools to live their lives fully. Please join me in welcoming and recognizing Dr. Jamie Fukui. Thank you, Mr. President. I now yield the floor to the Senator from District 12.

Mahalo, Senator Fukunaga.

Senator Moriwaki.

I rise to honor Dr. Linda Wong. Please stand. She's a distinguished General and transplant surgeon, Director of the Queen's Medical Center Liver Transportation Transplant Program, and professor of surgery at the John A. Burns School of Medicine. Her leadership and commitment to multidisciplinary care has advanced early detection, effective treatment, and prevention of hepatobiliary.

That's liver and bile disease. Beyond her credentials and accomplishments, Dr. Wong is celebrated for supporting patients facing life's most, most challenging health moments. She was there for her nominator when he was diagnosed with an aggressive lesion in his spleen. He faced the most frightening moment of his life. In that darkness, Dr. Wong was his stabilizing force.

Going beyond just performing a procedure, she prepared him emotionally and physically, answering his every question to ensure he felt safe and heard Dr. Wong's humble no nonsense approach transformed his fear into hope. With her expert precision, she successfully performed life saving surgery and ensured he had the tools to confidently move to wellness.

As the patient shared, Dr. Wong embodies everything a healthcare hero should be. Precise, thorough and deeply compassionate. Please mahalo Dr. Wong for her patient centered approach and what she has brought to many individuals and families across Hawaii. Hope and wellness and dignity. Mahalo. I now yield to the Senator from District 16.

Senator Elefante.

Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you to the Senator from Waikiki. It is my privilege to recognize Sean Morishige, a registered nurse at the Rehab Hospital of the Pacific. Sean, if you could please stand. Sean is known for his non stop enthusiasm and vibrant energy. Traits that became a lifeline for his patient.

One example is a patient was facing paralysis after multiple spinal surgeries and life threatening complications. This patient had a long road ahead. Shawn proactively requested to be assigned to this patient's care, using his deep knowledge of their history to advocate for their recovery. Through his vigilant attention and constant encouragement, Sean inspired progress where it seemed impossible.

Thanks to his leadership and support, his patient has progressed from being unable to move their legs to standing with minimal assistance. Sean is a true advocate who turns recovery into a journey of hope. Let's give him a round of applause. Mr. President, I now yield the floor back to the Senator from Puna,

Thank you, Mr. President. These five individuals, Dr. Panaker, Kyle Ohisa, Dr. Fukui, Dr. Wang and Nurse Mureshige represent the very best of our islands. They are healers, advocates and sources of strength in life's most vulnerable moments.

Senator San Buenaventura.

Thank you, Mr. President. These five individuals, Dr. Panaker, Kyle Ohisa, Dr. Fukui, Dr. Wang and Nurse Mureshige represent the very best of our islands. They are healers, advocates and sources of strength in life's most vulnerable moments.

Today we honor them not just for their medical expertise, but for their compassion that defines their character. These are five people who are nominated by their patients whose lives they truly touched. On behalf of the Senate and the people of Hawaii, we thank you for your unwavering commitment.

I would also like to take a moment to recognize the leadership from the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and the guests in the gallery who made today possible. Please stand to be recognized when your name is called. We have Hilton Raithel, Paige Choi, Robert Choi, Lynn Enright, Dr. Fukui's nominator and her family. Beth Hoban.

Could you please both stand? Kelly Morishige, Sean wife Livia and Daniel Morishige, Shawn's mother and dad, Kay and Sean Akamine. Sean's in laws. Linda, Miles Trevires Masuhara. These are the patient. Travis was the patient that Kyle treated. And Linda and Miles are Travis's parents.

Martin Tran, Dr. Wang's nominator, Martin Trang, Susan Ohisa, Cheryl Ohisa Kyler Ohisa and Ryan Ohiesa, who are Kyle's family? Mahalo to everyone for being today. And now, could we give them a round of applause for being here to support them? I now yield the floor to Senate President Kouchi.

Thank you. Any further introductions? If not. Madam Clerk.

Mr. President.

Oh, Senator Rhodes.

I see a couple of other people that I recognize up there. Former Senator Randy Awase and his wife Jan could say hi. And also JC Mikalan. I never can pronounce his name right. Michelangelo Mikola Wanich. Thank you.

Well, you got the JC Right. To our honored guests. Instead of a recess, we have a very brief agenda. So if you'll patiently sit, we'll conclude adjourn and then the Members would like to greet you and also pose for photographs. Madam Clerk.

Governor's message number 725 transmits a nomination to the Intermediate Court of Appeals.

Governor's message number 725 is referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Standing Committee report numbers 2694-2700 for one day notice. Standing Committee reports number numbers 2701-2704 for 48 hour notice.

So ordered.

Standing Committee report numbers 2705 and 2706 for adoption.

Senator Wakai.

Mr. President, I move for the adoption of Standing Committee reports numbers 2705 and 2706.

Senator DeCorte.

Mr. President, I second the motion.

It's been moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Any objections? If not, the motion is carried.

Referrals and re. Referrals.

Referrals and re. Referrals are made in accordance with any supplemental orders of the day that may be filed later today.

No further business. Mr. President.

Are there any announcements today, Senator Gabbard?

Mr. President, colleagues, staff and guests, I would like to take this opportunity to wish Senator Tim Richards, Manuelo Asofanao, happy birthday to you. Senator, please give him a hand. Right before session started, I asked him how he's doing and he replied in Samoan. He said, tatale fatou. And that means my heart is beating.

So may your heart continue to beat for many more years, Senator Aloha.

Thank you. Any further announcements? If not Senator Wakai.

Mr. President, I move that the Senate stand adjourned 11:30am tomorrow.

Senator DeCorte.

Mr. President, I second the motion.

It's been moved and seconded. If there are no objections from the Members, the Senate will stand adjourned until 11:30am tomorrow. After I hit the gavel. If you would greet our honored guests and pose for pictures.