STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1506

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 635

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 No. 635, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

State Council on Mental Health

G.M. No. 635

FORREST WELLS, for a term to expire 06-30-2028,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Forrest Wells for service on the State Council on Mental Health.

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

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Wells' experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the State Council on Mental Health as a service provider member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Wells' has been a licensed mental health counselor for thirteen years. Mr. Wells is currently the Manager for Counseling Services at The Queen's Medical Center, where he provides clinical supervision for clinic providers and proposes programs to address mental health needs for residents in the State. During the course of Mr. Wells' career, he has gained broad experience and knowledge on behavioral health and mental health services. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Wells has been serving as an interim member of the State Council on Mental Health since August 2024 with a proven record of his valuable contributions through his thoughtful and methodical engagement in advancing the Council's priority goals. Your Committee therefore recommends that Forrest Wells be appointed to the State Council on Mental Health based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

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

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JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair