STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1577

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 547, 548

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2013

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 547 and 548, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

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

G.M. No. 547	ELIZABETH COOL, for a term to expire 6-30-2016; and
G.M. No. 548	JAMAL WASAN, for a term to expire 6-30-2016,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Elizabeth Cool and Jamal Wasan to possess the requisite commitment, sincerity, dedication, and qualifications to be nominated to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Hawaii Service Area Board.

ELIZABETH COOL

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this nominee from the Department of Health.

     Ms. Cool is an advocate for people living with mental illness and brings a unique perspective to the Board based on her own experiences involving individuals with mental illness and substance abuse issues.  Ms. Cool volunteers four days a week at the West Hawaii Community Mental Health Center.  Ms. Cool is passionate about improving mental health care and increasing community based services for individuals with mental illness and substance abuse issues and will serve as a consumer representative on the Board. 

JAMAL WASAN

     In addition to numerous military decorations, Dr. Wasan earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in Health Psychology from Walden University, a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, and a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma.  Since completing his Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, he has held positions with the Big Island Substance Abuse Council and the Department of Veterans Affairs.  He currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Lokahi Treatment Centers, where he has worked for over ten years.  He is also a member of the American Psychological Association and American Counseling Association.  Dr. Wasan possesses a well-grounded view of the nature and level of services required for effective mental health and substance abuse treatment and will serve as a provider representative on the Board. 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that are 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.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,

____________________________

JOSH GREEN, Chair