STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3744

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 850

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 850, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Hawai'i Service Area Board

G.M. No. 850

RENEE RIVERA, for a term to expire 06-30-2024,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Renee Rivera for service on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Hawai‘i Service Area Board.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Renee Rivera from the Department of Health and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Rivera's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Hawai‘i Service Area Board. Your Committee notes that Ms. Rivera recently graduated from the University of Hawaii at Hilo with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and will be entering the Master of Social Work Program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa this fall. According to testimony from the Department of Health, despite having experienced severe mental illness and substance abuse addiction for several years, Ms. Rivera was able to graduate from college, reunite with her three children, and live a productive and fulfilled life. Ms. Rivera is also highly active in the community, mentoring justice-involved women through the Going Home Hawaii Program. Your Committee finds that Ms. Rivera is motivated to help other individuals who are struggling with mental illness and substance abuse addiction and will enhance the effectiveness of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Hawai‘i Service Area Board. She would serve in the consumer of mental health services segment of the Board, pursuant to section 334-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Rivera be appointed to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Hawai‘i Service Area Board based on her experience, background, and willingness to serve the public.

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