STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1339

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 707

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 707, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Hawai'i Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances

G.M. No. 707

HEATHER LUSK, for a term to expire 6-30-2015,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Heather Lusk to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Heather Lusk from the Department of Health, The Drug Policy Forum of Hawai‘i, Malama Pono Health Services, The Drug Policy Action Group, and six private citizens.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Lusk's experience with drug prevention and substance abuse treatment services makes her well-qualified for appointment to the Hawai‘i Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances.

     Ms. Lusk has extensive experience within the public health field.  Ms. Lusk currently serves as the Hepatitis C Coordinator within the Department of Health where she develops and implements Hawaii's viral hepatitis prevention programs and implements the hepatitis C strategic plan for the State.  Prior to assuming her current position, Ms. Lusk served as a Trainer at the California STD/HIV Prevention Training Center where she facilitated and evaluated trainings and workshops for health and social service providers. 

     Ms. Lusk's commitment to promoting awareness of blood-borne diseases has been demonstrated through her work conducting training courses, building a collaborative environment for health and social service providers, and fostering the integration of drug treatment and health services statewide. 

     Ms. Lusk has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Michigan State University and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Harm Reduction Hawaii, Hawaii Immunization Coalition, and The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii.

     Ms. Lusk has worked with youth, active drug users, persons in substance abuse recovery, and incarcerated individuals and has been an active participant working with communities affected by drugs. 

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Lusk will bring critical knowledge of substance abuse-related issues to the Hawai‘i Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances.

     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 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 Health,

____________________________

JOSH GREEN, M.D., Chair