STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1632

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 639

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 639, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

State Council on Mental Health

G.M. No. 639

BEATRICE MARTINEZ, for a term to expire 06-30-2019,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Beatrice Martinez to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the State Council on Mental Health.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Beatrice Martinez from the Department of Health, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, and two individuals.

     Ms. Martinez currently serves as a Resident Services Program Specialist for the Hawaii Public Housing Authority and works with the Resident Advisory Board to effect policy changes and advocate for public housing tenants statewide.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Martinez has thirteen years of experience working with housing and homeless programs in Hawaii and is familiar with program development, contract monitoring, and coordinated service delivery.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Martinez also worked for many years at the Adult Mental Health Division of the Department of Health and has extensive knowledge of case management and other areas related to the needs of the mental health community.  In her personal statement, Ms. Martinez indicated that she hopes to be a voice for individuals with housing challenges, help bridge gaps in mental health services, and have a positive impact on the continuity of care for consumers.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Martinez's knowledge, professional experience, and demonstrated commitment to helping underserved communities will be assets to the State Council on Mental Health.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and 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 Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health,

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair