STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2820

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 676, 677, 678, 679

 

 

 

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 676, 677, 678, and 679, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Commission on Fatherhood

 

G.M. No. 676

S. BRUCE BERGER,

for a term to expire 6-30-2013;

 

G.M. No. 677

CARL MAKINO,

for a term to expire 6-30-2013;

 

G.M. No. 678

DARRIN SATO,

for a term to expire 6-30-2015; and

 

G.M. No. 679

WALTER YOSHIMITSU,

for a term to expire 6-30-2015,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees, and finds S. Bruce Berger, Carl Makino, Darrin Sato, and Walter Yoshimitsu to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Commission on Fatherhood.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of S. Bruce Berger from the Department of Human Services and one individual.

 

     Mr. Berger has over twenty years of counseling experience in Hawaii.  He is currently a Counseling Psychologist with the United States Army's Alcohol and Substance Abuse Clinic at Schofield Barracks.  He addresses issues of alcoholism and substance abuse by providing an array of services to soldiers who are in need of services and supports, particularly soldiers who are fathers that are in need of therapy or counseling services.  Mr. Berger created a speakers bureau of motivational presenters sharing first-hand experiences of recovery from substance abuse, child welfare issues, and family matters.

 

     Your Committee finds that Mr. Berger's appointment would fill the remaining term of a vacant position and serve as the Senate's representative.  Mr. Berger indicated in his personal statement that despite the fact that he has had numerous professional experiences working with families where he has helped prevent out of home placement of children, he believes that his unique personal experience as a father will be the most valuable experience he can bring as a member of the Commission on Fatherhood.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Carl Makino from the Department of Human Services and one individual.

 

     Mr. Makino was most recently a Case Worker with the Fatherhood Services of the The Salvation Army's Family Treatment Services.  He was responsible for providing services to fathers of children whose mothers were clients of The Salvation Army's Family Treatment Services.  These services included providing classes for new fathers, educational and vocational counseling, domestic violence prevention training, job search assistance, relapse prevention, and assisting in entering substance abuse treatment programs.  Mr. Makino was also The Salvation Army's prison liaison and worked with incarcerated men in all of Oahu's corrections facilities.

 

     Mr. Makino indicated in his personal statement that it is a combination of his experiences that makes him a strong candidate for the Commission.  His work with at-risk fathers and his previous position with a state board make him qualified for the position.  He also hopes to begin discussions with state departments to discuss the lack of sustainable programs, particularly programs for single, at-risk fathers.  He is also interested in addressing the need for domestic violence intervention programs for fathers led by fathers.

 

     Your Committee finds Mr. Makino's appointment would fill the remaining term of a vacant position and provide representation to the Commission as the Senate's representative.  Mr. Makino possesses the education, administrative, and counseling background that will be of great benefit to the Commission on Fatherhood.  His dedication to public service is a testament to his commitment to the Commission and its work.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Darrin Sato from the Department of Human Services, the Kalihi-Palama Health Center, and one individual.

 

     Mr. Sato comes to the Commission with an extensive background in social work and mental health and will provide the Commission with insight as a practitioner and an administrator.  Mr. Sato is currently the Chief Operations Officer at the Kalihi-Palama Health Center, a position he has held since 2005.  As Chief Operations Officer, he is responsible for all programs such as health care for the homeless, health education, and behavioral health.  Prior to this position, Mr. Sato held positions such as the Interim Executive Director and the Director of Behavioral Health and Social Sciences at the Kalihi-Palama Health Center.

 

     Mr. Sato has also worked and volunteered at the Diamond Head Mental Health Center and the American Red Cross and is active on numerous boards and community organizations including the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations, the Advisory Board for the University of Hawaii's School of Social Work, and the National Association of Social Workers – Hawaii Chapter.  Mr. Sato was also an adjunct professor at the University of Hawaii's School of Social Work where he received the 2002 Hawaii State Social Worker of the Year Award.

 

     Mr. Sato indicated in his personal statement that he believes his many years of working with low-income and at-risk populations make him a good candidate to serve on the Commission.  He is familiar with programs and relevant research in the area of parenting and human development.  He has also had the unique opportunity to work with many new immigrants to Hawaii and hopes this knowledge will provide insight and information on cultural diversity on the Commission.

 

     Your Committee finds Mr. Sato's appointment would fill a vacant position and provide representation to the Commission as the House of Representative's representative.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Walter Yoshimitsu from the Department of Human Services, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Diocese of Honolulu, the Hawaii Family Forum, and two individuals.

 

     In January 2012, Mr. Yoshimitsu was appointed to his current position as the Director of the Hawaii Catholic Conference, the legislative arm of the Catholic Church.  Prior to his work with the Catholic Church, Mr. Yoshimitsu worked at the Estate of James Campbell in various positions and Blackfield Hawaii as a Project Manager for Development.  He also attended post-graduate classes at the University of Hawaii and earned a certificate as a Certified Property Manager.

 

     Testimony received by your Committee indicates Mr. Yoshimitsu has an extensive background as a businessman, administrator, and a lay religious person.  He serves on the board of many nonprofit organizations and is actively involved in solving the crisis of homelessness and affordable housing in Hawaii.

 

     Mr. Yoshimitsu indicated in his personal statement that his experience as a proud father will help him contribute to furthering the importance of fatherhood.  He also assists couples in the preparation for and permanency of marriage and feels he has a valuable vantage point to educate individuals on the roles associated with marriage and parenting.

 

     Your Committee finds Mr. Yoshimitsu's appointment would fill a vacant position and provide representation to the Commission as the House of Representative's representative.  Mr. Yoshimitsu is a strong individual with positive values and conviction of the importance of family life, specifically what it means to be a father.  His background in housing, social services, and counseling will benefit the Commission on Fatherhood greatly.

 

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

 

 

 

____________________________

SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair