STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1621

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 735

 

 

 

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 No. 735, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

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

 

G.M. No. 735

SULMA GANDHI,

for a term to expire 6-30-2016,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Sulma Gandhi to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Hawaii Service Area Board.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Ms. Gandhi from the Department of Health; County of Hawaii, Office of the Prosecuting Attorney; and six individuals.

 

     Your Committee notes that Ms. Gandhi received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, a Master's degree in Health Information Science, and is currently a Doctorate Candidate in Healthcare Management and Leadership at California Intercontinental University.  Since 2012, Ms. Gandhi has served as the Director for Student Health and Wellness Programs at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.  Ms. Gandhi's duties include oversight of programs that provide a system of holistic care that integrates education and prevention efforts with medical and mental health service, program, and activities.  Ms. Gandhi's past experience includes six years as Health and Wellness Academy Instructor at Kamehameha Schools, two years as Clinical Director of Hospice of Hilo, and experience assisting at-risk children and families with domestic violence.

 

Your Committee notes that Ms. Gandhi has demonstrated significant dedication to public service, as evidenced by her exemplary service as board member for Turning Point for Families and her award for the 2009 Chamber of Commerce Athena Award for mentoring women in business, leadership, and community service.  Additionally, Ms. Gandhi has assisted community organizations such as Hospice of Hilo, YWCA of Hawaii Island Teen Court, AIDS Vancouver Island Helpline, and Kelowna General Hospital.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Gandhi has been appointed to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Hawaii Service Area Board, based on her knowledge, professional experience, and commitment to public service.

 

     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, Chair