STAND. COM. REP. NO. 4009

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 641

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 641, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board

G.M. No. 641

MEGAN KOSAKA, for a term to expire 06-30-2026,

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 reappointment of Megan Kosaka from the Department of Health.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Kosaka's experience as a behavioral health specialist, commitment to public service, and dedication to helping others improve their mental health, qualify her for reappointment to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board. Ms. Kosaka is a licensed marriage and family therapist currently working as a District Educational Specialist with the Department of Education. She was previously a Behavioral Health Specialist Supervisor with the Hawaii Department of Education. Ms. Kosaka earned her Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University. Ms. Kosaka notes in her personal statement that her goal for serving on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board is to better serve keiki and Ohana in the State through multi-faceted healthy, professional, and compassionate therapeutic support. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Kosaka's service on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board fulfills the requirement of section 334-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes, that a member be a mental health stakeholder and community member. Your Committee therefore recommends that Megan Kosaka be reappointed to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board, based on her experience as a behavioral health specialist and commitment to helping others improve their mental health.

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

____________________________

JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair