STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2110

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 632

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 No. 632, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Mental Health & Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board

G.M. No. 632

MEGAN KOSAKA, for a term to expire 06-30-2022,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Megan Kosaka for service on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Megan Kosaka from the Department of Health and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Kosaka's background and experience qualify her to be nominated for appointment to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board. Your Committee notes that Ms. Kosaka is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has worked with families on Maui for nearly a decade, including assisting families struggling with issues directly related to substance abuse and recovery such as housing concern and homelessness, legal and custody issues, and transitional difficulties after incarceration. Ms. Kosaka is currently a Behavioral Health Specialist with the Department of Education, where she works with youth with high-end behavioral challenges, substance abuse issues, and other diagnoses that interfere with students' success in school. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Kosaka's background in family therapy as well as her education and experience working with children will be an asset to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board and therefore recommends that Ms. Kosaka be appointed to the Board based on her knowledge, experience, and dedication to serving the community.

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