Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 280, 281, and 282, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees, and finds the nominees to have the necessary qualifications to be appointed to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board.

Your Committee received testimony in support of THOMAS E. ABBOTT, Sr. from the Department of Health. Dr. Abbott currently serves on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board as director and is being nominated for a second term. Dr. Abbott is a licensed psychologist with over seventeen years of experience. He has earned a Master's degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Southern California. He has served as Program Director and Clinical Director of the Crisis Outreach and Outpatient Services Program of Mental Health Kokua. Dr. Abbott's expertise, experience, and community service record make him a valuable asset to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board.

Your Committee received testimony in support of DONNA DARLENE HANSEN from the Department of Health, the Mental Health Association in Hawaii-Maui County Branch, and two individuals. Ms. Hansen currently serves on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board and is being nominated for a second term. She has been a community advocate for services for individuals with mental illness. She has also dedicated her time and efforts to community affiliations that work towards suicide prevention. Ms. Hansen is a parent of a consumer, and her insight, experience, and compassion are integral to the success of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board.

Your Committee received testimony in support of EILEEN ANNE LANG from the Department of Health. Ms. Lang currently serves on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board and is being nominated for a second term. She has earned a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Hawaii. She is the Chemical Dependency Program Director at Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center on Maui and she privately counsels individuals battling substance abuse. Ms. Lang is a role model for success. In addition to her education and professional experience, her personal experiences enable her to be an integral member of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is 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.