Honolulu, HI — December 2024
The Hawai’i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) has released its summary of disciplinary actions taken during November 2024 against individuals and entities holding professional and vocational licenses. The actions, which are aimed at ensuring compliance with state regulations and maintaining professional standards, were issued by the DCCA’s respective Boards and Commissions. These measures stem from either contested case hearings or settlement agreements reached to resolve claims without the need for full administrative hearings.
Key Disciplinary Actions
Board of Physical Therapy
- Edward C. Hsu (Maui)
- Sanction: License revoked; practice ceased on December 1, 2024
- Details: Alleged unprofessional and inappropriate behavior on March 12-13, 2021, violating several Hawai’i Revised Statutes (HRS).
Board of Chiropractic
- Aaries T. Oda
- Sanction: License revoked
- Details: Found in violation of a prior settlement agreement due to noncompliance.
Board of Naturopathic Medicine
- Allison Anne Hofmann (Hawai’i)
- Sanction: License revoked
- Details: Allegations of falsifying licensing history on an application and failing to report disciplinary actions by another state.
Medical Board
- Thomas K.S. Noh
- Sanction: $2,000 fine
- Details: Restricted clinical privileges at a medical center following allegations of surgical errors.
- Curtis R. Bekkum
- Sanction: License revoked
- Details: Found to have violated statutes following a contested hearing.
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
- Eastside Barbershop LLC and Elijah H.M. Tagoai
- Sanction: $3,000 fine
- Details: Alleged unlicensed activities and failure to display required permits.
- Milady’s Beauty Spa and Thao T. Domingo
- Sanction: $1,500 fine
- Details: Permitted unlicensed individuals to perform beauty operator services.
Real Estate Commission
- Alexa L. Ropp (Maui)
- Sanction: $750 fine
- Details: Conviction for operating a vehicle under the influence.
- Pahio Vacation Ownership, Inc.
- Sanction: $500 fine
- Details: Failure to provide proper documentation during a time-share transaction.
Public Access and Accountability
The DCCA emphasizes its commitment to maintaining professional accountability and protecting the public through oversight of licensed professionals. Full details of disciplinary actions are available at the DCCA Office of Administrative Hearings website.
For individuals seeking to verify a professional’s license status, the DCCA offers BusinessCheck, an online platform that provides information on licensing credentials, complaint histories, and more. Visit businesscheck.hawaii.gov for additional details.