STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1319

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 524, 525, 526, 527

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 524, 525, 526, and 527, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Mental Health And Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board

 

G.M. No. 524

WILLIAM LAWSON,

for a term to expire 06-30-2017;

 

G.M. No. 525

WILLIAM LAWSON,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021;

 

G.M. No. 526

HAROLD AMES,

for a term to expire 06-30-2019; and

 

G.M. No. 527

CAPRENA ROWE,

for a term to expire 06-30-2019,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds William Lawson, Harold Ames, and Caprena Rowe to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board.

 


WILLIAM LAWSON

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nominations for appointment and reappointment of William Lawson from the Department of Health and one individual.

 

     Prior to retirement, Mr. Lawson worked for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.  As the father of a daughter with bipolar and schizoaffective disorder who has a history of alcohol and drug abuse, Mr. Lawson is familiar with the needs and challenges of individuals with dual diagnoses.  Mr. Lawson is also knowledgeable about available community resources for the mentally ill and persons with disabilities, especially with housing options and financial assistance for housing.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Lawson is a certified educator with the National Association of Mental Illness and has been active as a teacher of Family to Family classes with this organization.  In his personal statement, Mr. Lawson indicated that he hopes to highlight the needs of the mentally ill population on Maui as well as how to prevent and treat mental and emotional disorders and individuals afflicted with combined mental illness and substance abuse disorders.  Your Committee therefore finds that Mr. Lawson's knowledge, personal experience, and desire to contribute to the community will be valuable assets to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board.

 

HAROLD AMES

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Harold Ames from the Department of Health and two individuals.

 

     Mr. Ames is the founder and president of the Hawaii Association for Industrial-Organizational Psychology and is an experienced researcher-practitioner in the field of industrial-organizational psychology.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Ames organized a nationally renowned suicide prevention training on Maui and has experience, skills, and training in policy analysis that provide a valuable perspective about the delivery of mental health and substance abuse services.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Ames is already actively contributing to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board and thus is familiar with the role and responsibilities of board members.  Mr. Ames indicated in his personal statement that he hopes to contribute to the redesign of the mental health and substance abuse field in Hawaii to better promote sustainable wellness.  Your Committee therefore finds that Mr. Ames' background, experience, and commitment to the community will provide a significant contribution to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board.

 

CAPRENA ROWE

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Caprena Rowe from the Department of Health.

 

     Ms. Rowe is currently a Crisis Worker at Aloha House Treatment Center and has training as a Hawaii Certified Peer Specialist and a Wellness Recovery Action Plan Facilitator.  As a consumer of mental health services, Ms. Rowe hopes to contribute to the community by sharing her knowledge and expertise and hopes to gain valuable life experience.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Rowe has provided hospital after care for persons in crisis, including individuals with suicidal ideation, and has participated in community trainings and educational programs for Mental Health America of Hawaii.  Ms. Rowe has also completed Peer to Peer Training and Tool Boxes Training, which she indicated have taught her empathy, social responsibility, and the ability to instill hope in others.  In her personal statement, Ms. Rowe also indicated that she wants to help consumers learn about the benefits of having self-help groups based on a shared common interest.  Your Committee therefore finds that Ms. Rowe's experience, personal knowledge, and demonstrated interest in public service will be valuable resources to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health 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 Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health,

 

 

 

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair