STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1617

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 791

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. 791, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Health Planning Council, West O'ahu Subarea

G.M. No. 791

MARALYN KURSHALS, for a term to expire 6-30-2017,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Maralyn Kurshals to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Health Planning Council, West Oahu Subarea.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Ms. Kurshals from the Department of Health, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, and two individuals.

     Your Committee notes that Ms. Kurshals has over twenty years of experience working with children and youths with disabilities, homeless populations, and the Native Hawaiian community.  Since 2007, Ms. Kurshals has worked for the Department of Health, Children and Adolescent Mental Health Division.  Her duties include assisting families, social service providers, and mental health professionals with mental health care intake and processing.  Ms. Kurshals' other duties include assisting and providing mental health resources for approximately two hundred clients in predominantly low-income communities of Asian Pacific Islanders.

     Your Committee notes that Ms. Kurshals has demonstrated significant dedication to public service, as evidenced by her exemplary service as President and board member for the Waianae Neighborhood Board and as a member and Chair of the Policy Committee of the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center Board of Directors.  Additionally, Ms. Kurshals is a member of Kapolei Toastmasters, Waianae Hawaiian Civic Club, Read Aloud, Na Keiki O KA Mo‘i Canoe Club, and Women of Waianae.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Kurshals has been appointed to the Health Planning Council, West Oahu Subarea, 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