SSCR2528

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2528

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 562, 563

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

Madam:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 562 and 563, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

State Council on Mental Health

G.M. No. 562

SANDRA SIMMS,

for a term to expire 6-30-2018; and

G.M. No. 563

BENJAMIN PARK,

for a term to expire 6-30-2015.

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories and resumes submitted by the nominees and finds Sandra Simms and Benjamin Park to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the State Council on Mental Health.

SANDRA SIMMS

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Ms. Simms from the Department of Health and two individuals.

Your Committee notes that Ms. Simms received a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Political Science from the University of Illinois.

Ms. Simms is a retired judge with many years of experience in the legal system. She was appointed to the District Court of the First District of Hawaii in 1991, becoming the first African American female judge in the State. In 1994, Ms. Simms was appointed to the position of Circuit Court Judge for the First Judicial Circuit of Hawaii. As a trial judge, she presided over matters involving domestic violence, restraining orders, civil proceedings, and felony jury trials.

Most recently, Ms. Simms was named Adjunct Lecturer in Criminal Justice Studies at Chaminade University. Additionally, Ms. Simms is a member of the distinguished panel of neutrals for Dispute Prevention Resolution, a private alternative dispute resolution firm in Honolulu. She also serves on the Hawaii State Board of Bar Examiners. Ms. Simms has given numerous presentations to assist community organizations, schools, and forums obtain a better understanding about the judicial system.

Your Committee notes that Ms. Simms has demonstrated significant dedication to public service, as evidenced by her exemplary service as the Second Vice-Chair of the State Council on Mental Health. Ms. Simms brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the areas of mental health, substance abuse, and the legal system to the State Council on Mental Health. Your Committee finds that Ms. Simms is highly qualified for reappointment to the State Council on Mental Health based on her knowledge, professional experience, and commitment to public service.

BENJAMIN PARK

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Mr. Park from the Department of Health and two individuals.

Your Committee notes that Mr. Park received a Bachelor of Arts degree in U.S. History from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Mr. Park currently serves as a Planner in the Planning and Evaluation Office of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. In this position, Mr. Park maintains regular communications with legislators, including writing and submitting testimony for bills on behalf of the Executive Director of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. Mr. Park also works with the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority and other agencies to coordinate community events and meetings.

Mr. Park's past professional experience includes working for the House of Representatives, where he served as the Administrative Services Manager to Majority Leaders Pono Chong and Blake Oshiro, as well as the Office Manager for Representative Scott Saiki. Mr. Park is respected by his colleagues, as evidenced by comments submitted by Representative Mark Hashem, who testified that Mr. Park "is a highly intelligent, people-oriented, and responsive individual who quickly grasps issues, thinks objectively to solve problems, and works well with people to communicate and get things done." Your Committee finds that Mr. Park's knowledge, experience, and dedication to mental health and public housing issues qualify him for appointment to the State Council on Mental Health.

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