STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1492

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 523, 577

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 523 and 577, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

State Council on Mental Health

G.M. No. 523	ASIANNA SARAGOSA-TORRES, for a term to expire 06-30-2028; and
G.M. No. 577	TIANNA CELIS-WEBSTER, for a term to expire 06-30-2028,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Asianna Saragosa-Torres and Tianna Celis-Webster for service on the State Council on Mental Health.

ASIANNA SARAGOSA-TORRES

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Asianna Saragosa-Torres from the Department of Health and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Saragosa-Torres' background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the State Council on Mental Health as a member who is a youth advocate representing youth with serious mental illnesses who are receiving, or have received, mental health services. Your Committee notes that Ms. Saragosa-Torres has been a mental health advocate in the State since 2021, volunteering for a variety of nonprofit organizations, including the National Alliance of Mental Illness, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Erika's Lighthouse, and Mental Health America. Ms. Saragosa-Torres is currently a community outreach coordinator at the City and County of Honolulu Emergency Management Services Department, where she is engaged in the provision of housing and shelter needs of individuals with mental health illnesses. Previously, Ms. Saragosa-Torres was a registered behavior technician at BAYADA Behavioral Health, where she delivered direct care and provided essential services to clients using applied behavior analysis principles. Your Committee finds that Ms. Saragosa-Torres has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience as a mental health advocate will enhance the effectiveness of the Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Asianna Saragosa-Torres be appointed to the State Council on Mental Health based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

TIANNA CELIS-WEBSTER

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Tianna Celis-Webster from the Department of Health and Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Celis-Webster's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify her for appointment to the State Council on Mental Health as a member who is a youth advocate representing youth with serious mental illnesses who are receiving, or have received, mental health services. Your Committee notes that Ms. Celis-Webster has been a Pono Process Grievance Navigator at EPIC Ohana Inc. since 2024 where she supports youth in the State's foster care system and actively promotes and encourages young individuals to express their voices and rights. Ms. Celis-Webster is also currently participating as a Youth Policy Academy Advisor for the National Governors Association's Policy Academy to Drive Thriving Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, a year-long policy academy that supports governors' offices in developing or advancing a holistic agenda to protect and support strong youth mental health and emotional well-being across state agencies. During the course of Ms. Celis-Webster's career, she has gained broad experience and knowledge about mental health advocacy. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Celis-Webster has served as an interim member of the State Council on Mental Health and therefore, has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Tianna Celis-Webster be appointed to the State Council on Mental Health based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

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

____________________________

JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair