STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3638

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 828, 829, 830, 831

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 828, 829, 830, and 831, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

State Council On Mental Health

 

G.M. No. 828

CYNTHIA DANG,

for a term to expire 06-30-2020;

 

G.M. No. 829

SHANNESSY MITCHELL,

for a term to expire 06-30-2019;

 

G.M. No. 830

RICHARD RIES,

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

 

G.M. No. 831

CHARLENE DARABAN,

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 Cynthia Dang, Shannessy Mitchell, Richard Ries, and Charlene Daraban to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the State Council on Mental Health.

 


CYNTHIA DANG

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Cynthia Dang from the Department of Health.

 

     Your Committee finds that Dr. Dang is presently a mid-level manager for a business consulting firm and has experience working in the areas of mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and homelessness.  Dr. Dang is active in the community, serving as Chair of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Oahu Service Area Board, and Representative from the Mental Health Substance Abuse, Oahu Service Area Board, on the State Council on Mental Health.  Dr. Dang also has valuable experience on various committees dealing with assessing and treating trauma and homeless veterans.  In her personal statement, Dr. Dang indicated that she understands the importance of working collaboratively to eliminate the stigma of seeking services related to mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence and hopes that her diverse strategic planning experience can improve overall efficiency.  Your Committee therefore finds that Dr. Dang's experience in the private and public sectors, proven leadership, and dedication to serving the public will be great assets to the State Council on Mental Health.

 

SHANNESSY MITCHELL

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Shannessy Mitchell from the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, and one individual.

 

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Mitchell is presently a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation under the Department of Human Services and has previous work experience as a Program Supervisor and Behavioral Health Specialist for Child and Family Service and Community Service Specialist for the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Community Services.  According to testimony, Ms. Mitchell has attended a few meetings of the State Council on Mental Health and looks forward to collaborating on several of the Council's objectives in its Strategic Plan.  In her personal statement, Ms. Mitchell indicated that she hopes to open up opportunities for individuals with significant mental health issues in the workforce and continue to eliminate the negative stigma and social isolation for persons with disabilities.  Your Committee therefore finds that Ms. Mitchell's commitment to serving persons with disabilities, as well as her background in vocational rehabilitation, will be great assets to the State Council on Mental Health.

 

RICHARD RIES

 

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

 

     Your Committee finds that Dr. Ries presently maintains a private practice in psychotherapy and serves as a Clinic Manager for the University of Hawaii Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy.  Dr. Ries' past work experience includes serving as a Clinical Therapist and Psychologist at The Queen's Medical Center and Deputy Chief of Psychology Research for the Department of Psychology at Tripler Army Medical Center.  Dr. Ries is also an accomplished educator and author of several research publications in mental health and a Medal Recipient of the Commander's Award for Civilian Service and Achievement Medal for Civilian Service.  In his personal statement, Dr. Ries indicated that he hopes to deepen his understanding of mental health needs and trends in Hawaii and would like to support initiatives to strengthen the delivery of mental health services in the State.  Your Committee therefore finds that Dr. Ries' expertise on veterans' mental health issues, as well as his willingness to serve, will be great assets to the State Council on Mental Health.

 

CHARLENE DARABAN

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Charlene Daraban from the Department of Health.

 

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Daraban is presently a Consumer Family Relations Specialist for Hawaii Families as Allies.  Prior to her current role, Ms. Daraban served as a Family Court Liaison/Youth Program Assistant, Central Oahu Parent Partner/Family Court Liaison Branch Parent Partner, and Statewide Outreach Training Coordinator for Hawaii Families as Allies.  She has also previously served on the State Council on Mental Health, having been appointed in 2011.  According to testimony, Ms. Daraban's experiences as a parent and grandparent of children living with mental illness allow her to understand the needs of families impacted by mental illness.  In her personal statement, Ms. Daraban indicated that she hopes to be a part of improving the mental health system for families and adults impacted by mental health in the State.  Your Committee therefore finds that Ms. Daraban's experiences in the field of mental health, as well as her dedication to public service, will continue to be great assets to the State Council on Mental Health.

 

     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