Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Board of Acupuncture, Gubernatorial Nominee, DEBORAH MCMENEMY, for a term to expire 06-30-2026.

2025 Regular Session

Formalizes Senate confirmation of Deborah McMenemy to Hawaii Board of Acupuncture for a term through June 30, 2026, completing the appointment process with no regulatory changes.

Confirmed. Ayes, 25. Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none).

#boardofacupuncture

Overview

GM 535 is a gubernatorial nomination and Senate confirmation for Deborah McMenemy to serve on the Hawaii Board of Acupuncture. The term for the appointment would expire on June 30, 2026. The bill is classified as a proclamation and concerns the Board of Acupuncture.

Nominee: Deborah McMenemy

Board: Board of Acupuncture

Term: Expires June 30, 2026

Status: Confirmed by the Senate with a vote of 25 ayes, 0 nays, 0 excused

Introduced: January 23, 2025

Classification: proclamation

Subject: Board of Acupuncture

What the bill does

The bill formalizes the Senate’s confirmation of Governor Josh Green’s appointment of Deborah McMenemy to the Hawaii Board of Acupuncture.

It does not alter substantive regulatory provisions or create new requirements for the practice of acupuncture; instead, it completes the constitutional and statutory process for gubernatorial appointments to the state board.

Nominee and Board context

Deborah McMenemy is the gubernatorial nominee for a seat on the Board of Acupuncture.

The Board of Acupuncture governs licensure and regulation of acupuncture practitioners in Hawaii (the bill itself does not detail specific regulatory powers, but the Board’s general role includes licensing, discipline, and professional standards for acupuncture practice in the state).

Procedural history and timeline

January 23, 2025: GM 535 introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health (CPN).

March 13, 2025: CPN scheduled a public hearing (03-21-25 at 9:30 AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference).

March 21, 2025: CPN recommended Advise and Consent with a 5-0 vote (all in favor; no reservations, no negatives).

April 16, 2025: CPN report transmitted to the full Senate with a recommendation to Advise and Consent.

April 16–17, 2025: One-day notice issued in advance of floor action.

April 17, 2025: Senate confirmed the nomination (Ayes 25, Noes 0, Excused 0).

Impact and affected parties

Primary affected party: Deborah McMenemy, the nominee, who would serve on the Board of Acupuncture.

Secondary affected parties: Hawaii residents and acupuncture practitioners who rely on the Board for licensure standards, disciplinary actions, and professional regulation.

Governmental impact: Completes the appointment process under the Hawaii Constitution (Article V, Section 6) for a board position with a term ending 06/30/2026.

Key dates to note

Governor’s nomination letter: January 15, 2025

Introduction: January 23, 2025

Public hearing: March 21, 2025

Senate confirmation: April 17, 2025

Term expiration: June 30, 2026

This summary presents the essential elements: GM 535 confirms Deborah McMenemy’s appointment to the Board of Acupuncture for a term ending in mid-2026, following standard legislative confirmation procedures.

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