STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2135

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 537, 538

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 537 and 538, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

State Council on Mental Health

G.M. No. 537	CANDICE KIRBY, for a term to expire 06-30-2022; and
G.M. No. 538	CHRISTOPHER KNIGHTSBRIDGE, for a term to expire 06-30-2021,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Candice Kirby and Christopher Knightsbridge for service on the State Council on Mental Health.

CANDICE KIRBY

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Candice Kirby from the Department of Health.

Your Committee finds that Ms. Kirby's background, knowledge, and experience qualify her to be nominated for appointment to the State Council on Mental Health representing families of children with serious emotional disturbance. Your Committee notes that Ms. Kirby is a social worker with more than ten years of experience working with youth and families, including as a Child Welfare Resource Specialist, Community Outreach Case Manager, Family Preservation Specialist, and School Based Counselor. Currently, Ms. Kirby is a Parent Partner with Ohana Support Services where she works closely with youth and families affiliated with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division in Kailua-Kona to provide assistance and referrals to appropriate community resources. Your Committee finds that Ms. Kirby's experience as a family member of someone diagnosed with a mental health concern and her professional experience with the mental health community in West Hawaii will bring a valuable perspective to the State Council on Mental Health. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Kirby has served as an interim member of the State Council on Mental Health since July 2018 and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Kirby be appointed to the State Council on Mental Health based on her knowledge and experience.

CHRISTOPHER KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Christopher Knightsbridge from the Department of Health and one individual.

Your Committee finds that Mr. Knightsbridge's background, experience, and advocacy work qualify him to be nominated for appointment to the State Council on Mental Health representing adults with serious mental illnesses who are receiving, or have received, mental health services. Your Committee notes that Mr. Knightsbridge served in the Air Force, spent time teaching English in South Korea, Thailand, and Japan, and earned a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology. Currently, Mr. Knightsbridge is a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology. Your Committee notes the eloquence with which Mr. Knightsbridge conveys his and his families' struggle with mental illness and homelessness and finds that Mr. Knightsbridge's communication skills and social media advocacy experience, along with a unique perspective that has been shaped by his personal experiences, will be assets to the State Council on Mental Health. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Knightsbridge has served as an interim member of the State Council on Mental Health since September 2018 and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Knightsbridge be appointed to the State Council on Mental Health based on his knowledge, experience, and dedication to mental health advocacy.

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