STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3515

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 544

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 544, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Kaua'i Service Area Board

G.M. No. 544

MONICA CONTRADES, 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 Monica Contrades to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Kauai Service Area Board.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Monica Contrades from the Department of Health and one individual.

     Ms. Contrades has been a mental health consumer for the past forty-six years and is a vocal advocate for people facing mental health challenges.  For the past two years, she has been an active member of the Friendship House on Kauai; the Consumer, Family, and Youth Hui; and a speakers' bureau.  Through her involvement in these organizations, Ms. Contrades has shared her story with numerous community groups, including Aloha United Way, Inc., and the Rotary Club of Kauai.  Her special concerns are in regard to the needs of consumers and reducing the stigma of mental illness.

     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