STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1498

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 637

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. 637, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board

G.M. No. 637

DAVID LITMAN, 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 David Litman for service on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Area Service Board.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of David Litman from the Department of Health.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Litman's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Area Service Board as a member who is a service area provider. Your Committee notes that Mr. Litman is a practicing licensed marriage and family therapist providing therapy sessions for individual, couple, and family clients. Mr. Litman has also been the Director of Programs and Training for the Hale Pono Youth Center at the Teran James Young Foundation since July 2019 where he manages staff, develops and implements training and programs for staff and youth, and performs case management for youth and families for the Hale Pono Youth Shelter. Since November 2019, Mr. Litman has also been an intensive independent living skills therapist for Maui Youth and Family Services helping teens prepare for transition into adult living. During the course of Mr. Litman's career, he has gained broad experience and knowledge on providing social support services and therapeutic counseling to youth, families, and community members. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Litman has served as an interim member of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Area Service Board and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that David Litman be appointed to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Area Service Board 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,

____________________________

JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair