STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1620

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 736

 

 

 

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2013

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 736, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Kaua'i Service Area Board

 

G.M. No. 736

KURT NAGATA,

for a term to expire 6-30-2016,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Kurt Nagata to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Kauai Service Area Board.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Mr. Nagata from the Department of Health and one individual.

 

     Your Committee notes that Mr. Nagata is an advocate for mental health services on Kauai.  Mr. Nagata is the President of the Board of Directors of Friendship House Kauai, which is the first of six mental health Clubhouses in Hawaii.  A Clubhouse is a unique, voluntary, member-driven psychosocial rehabilitation program for adults who experience the challenges of mental illness.  Within a supportive environment, program participants are offered a multitude of services to improve the quality of their lives through meaningful work, positive relationships, and gainful employment.  Participants can build on their strengths and abilities to acquire or improve skills needed to reach their individual goals and aspirations.

 

Your Committee notes that Mr. Nagata has demonstrated significant dedication to public service, as evidenced by his volunteer efforts with Friendship House and his work with the Consumer, Family, and Youth Hui.  Mr. Nagata also brings his personal experience as a recovering alcoholic diagnosed with mental illness.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Nagata has been appointed to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Kauai Service Area Board, based on his knowledge, professional experience, and commitment to public service.

 

     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,

 

 

 

____________________________

JOSH GREEN, Chair