SSCR1637

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1637

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 649, 653, 654

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 Nos. 649, 653, and 654, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Hawai'i Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances

G.M. No. 649

CARL BERGQUIST,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021;

G.M. No. 653

ERIKA VARGAS,

for a term to expire 06-30-2017; and

G.M. No. 654

ERIKA VARGAS,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Carl Bergquist and Erika Vargas to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances.

CARL BERGQUIST

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Carl Bergquist for reappointment from the Department of Health, Hawai‘i Pacific Health, The Drug Policy Action Group, and three individuals.

Mr. Bergquist currently serves as the Executive Director for the Drug Policy Forum of Hawai‘i, a role that requires advocating to change Hawaii's drug policies, collaborating with government officials and organizations regarding implementation and action, and publishing educational materials. Your Committee finds that Mr. Bergquist has a comprehensive understanding of the health implications that drugs have on the community and how to effectively promote evidence-based drug policy reform. Mr. Bergquist previously worked for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles in various policy roles and has indicated an interest in helping the low-income immigrant community in Hawaii as well as expanding work with the Native Hawaiian community. In his personal statement, Mr. Bergquist indicated that he hopes to help expand current drug treatment services, highlight the public health effects of criminalizing drug users, and address Hawaii's crystal methamphetamine epidemic. Your Committee notes that Mr. Bergquist has been serving as a member of the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances for the last year and finds that Mr. Bergquist's background, advocacy experience, and commitment to public service qualify him for reappointment to the Commission.

ERIKA VARGAS

Your Committee received testimony in support of the appointment and reappointment of Erika Vargas from the Department of Health, Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, Domestic Violence Action Center, Ka Hale Pomaika‘i Inc., Kua‘āina ulu ‘auamo, and six individuals.

Ms. Vargas currently is the Manager of Adult Services at Hina Mauka, where she oversees operations of residential and outpatient services for patients with alcohol and substance use disorders. Your Committee finds that Ms. Vargas is licensed to diagnose mental illness and has prior experience as a clinical team leader, intake coordinator, substance abuse counselor, and child and family therapist. According to testimony, Ms. Vargas has extensive knowledge of substance abuse and mental health treatment using a trauma-informed approach, particularly for individuals with complex co-morbidities. Your Committee notes that Ms. Vargas has a strong interest in community involvement. Ms. Vargas is active with the Aiea Community Association and previously served in a Latino re-entry program, where she provided cultural services to reduce recidivism of offenders in recovery. In her personal statement, Ms. Vargas indicated that she hopes to help strengthen the community response that directs substance abusers to services rather than incarceration. Your Committee finds that Ms. Vargas' knowledge, expertise in substance abuse treatment, and dedication to serving the community will be strong assets to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances.

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

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair