STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3754

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                   

 

RE:     GOV. MSG. NOS. 551, 552

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2018

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 551 and 552, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Mental Health & Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board

 

G.M. No. 551

TARA BERRY,

for a term to expire 06-30-2020; and

 

G.M. No. 552

DANIELLE BERGAN,

for a term to expire 06-30-2019,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Tara Berry and Danielle Bergan for service on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board.

 

TARA BERRY

 

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

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Berry's experience, knowledge and background qualify her to be nominated for appointment to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board as a non-state employee service area provider.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Berry worked from 2009 to 2011 as a primary counselor for the Poailani Dual Diagnosis Facility and from 2001 to 2009 as a residential counselor with the Salvation Army Adult Treatment Services.  Ms. Berry has unique experience as a past provider and past consumer of substance use services, and her experience and awareness of issues pertaining to the substance use community will be invaluable to the Board.  Ms. Berry has also demonstrated her commitment to public service as an active volunteer with Cup of Cold Water, Aloha House, Maui Economic Opportunity, and Mental Health Kokua and Hospice and thoroughly understands the role and responsibilities of a Board member.

 

DANIELLE BERGAN

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Danielle Bergan from the Department of Health and two individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Bergan's experience, passion, and background qualify her to be nominated for appointment to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board as a Maui service area resident who is a consumer or nonprovider of mental health services.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Bergan has most recently worked as the human resources and administration manager and intake coordinator for Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers.  Ms. Bergan has also served as a member of the Prevent Suicide Maui County Task Force and the Board of Directors for Mental Health America, Maui Chapter, showing that she has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of a Board member.  Ms. Bergan's experience as an individual who has struggled with substance use, clinical depression, and suicidal thoughts and has subsequently overcome those struggles will be a valuable resource to the Board.  Ms. Bergan is passionate about helping individuals address their mental health challenges and plans to advocate for the strengthening of mental health services especially for children, in Maui County.

 

     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