STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1845

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 643, 644

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 643 and 644, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

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

G.M. No. 643	ALYSA LAVOIE, for a term to expire 06-30-2023; and
G.M. No. 644	JOHN BETLACH, for a term to expire 06-30-2024,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Alysa Lavoie and John Betlach for service on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Hawai‘i Service Area Board.

ALYSA LAVOIE

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

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Lavoie's experience in the field of social work, commitment to public service, and dedication to the health and wellness of those living with mental health or substance abuse issues qualify her for appointment to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Hawai‘i Service Area Board. Ms. Lavoie is an experienced behavioral health program manager working with the West Hawaii Community Health Center to implement community-based behavioral health related programs and services. Ms. Lavoie has professional experience as a facilitator and member of various committees such as the Mayor's Homeless Task Force, Keiki Coalition, and the Hawaii Primary Care Association. Your Committee notes that Ms. Lavoie also volunteers to assist with homeless outreach efforts in her community. Ms. Lavoie earned her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Keene State College and Masters in Social Work from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Your Committee further finds that Ms. Lavoie's appointment to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Hawai‘i Service Area Board fulfills the requirement that representatives be service area residents who are consumers or nonproviders of mental health services. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Lavoie be appointed to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Hawai‘i Service Area Board based on her experience in social work and her commitment to helping those with mental health or substance abuse issues.

JOHN BETLACH

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of John Betlach from the Department of Health.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Betlach's experience as a clinical professional, commitment to public service, and dedication to the health and wellness of those living with mental health or substance abuse issues qualify him for appointment to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Hawai‘i Service Area Board. Mr. Betlach is an experienced clinical professional having provided direct care, treatment, intervention, case management, and counseling in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Your Committee notes that Mr. Betlach has a commitment to volunteering, having previously worked with the disability committee for Hawaii county, Kona Theater Preservation Society, and the Institute for Family Enrichment. Mr. Betlach earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Francisco State University.

Your Committee further finds that Mr. Betlach's appointment to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Hawai‘i Service Area Board fulfills the requirement that a representative be a mental health stakeholder or community member. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Betlach be appointed to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Hawai‘i Service Area Board based on his experience as a clinical professional and his commitment to community service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on 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 Health,

____________________________

JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair