STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3545

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 625, 626, 627, 628

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 625, 626, 627, and 628, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Hawai'i Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances

 

G.M. No. 625

JON FUJII,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023;

 

G.M. No. 626

KATHI CALLES,

for a term to expire 06-30-2020;

 

G.M. No. 627

KATHI CALLES,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024; and

 

G.M. No. 628

DIANA FELTON,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Jon Fujii, Kathi Calles, and Diana Felton for service on the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances.

 


JON FUJII

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Jon Fujii from the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Ohana Health Plan, and one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Fujii's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances in the role of a member of the State Council on Mental Health.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Fujii is currently the acting Health Care Services Branch Administrator with the Med-QUEST Division, where he is responsible for the overall management and execution of Quest Integration and other medical assistance programs.  Prior to that, Mr. Fujii served in a number of other roles with the Med-QUEST Division, as a Senior Contract Reimbursement Manager with Hawaii Pacific Health, and a Medical Economics Manager with Kapiolani Health Hawaii.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Fujii has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances members and his knowledge and background will be assets to the Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Fujii be appointed to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

 

KATHI CALLES

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment and reappointment of Kathi Calles from the Department of Health, State of Hawaii Judiciary, Hawaii High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and five individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Calles's professional experience, background, and desire to serve her community qualify her for appointment and reappointment to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances in the role of a member who represents the corrections segment of the community.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Calles has over twenty years of experience in the substance abuse field and is currently a Program Specialist with the Hawaii State Judiciary where she manages and evaluates various substance abuse assessment and treatment contracts.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Calles has been a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor since 2003 and her knowledge and experience will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Calles be appointed and reappointed to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances based on her background, knowledge, and desire to contribute to the community.

 

DIANA FELTON

 

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

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Felton's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify her for appointment to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances in the role of a member who represents the medical segment of the community.  Your Committee notes that Dr. Felton is currently the State Toxicologist with the Department of Health's Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office and is also a Hyperbaric Physician with the University of Hawaii Hyperbaric Treatment Center.  Dr. Felton has also worked as an emergency physician and is board certified in medical toxicology and emergency medicine.  Your Committee further notes that Dr. Felton previously served as a member of the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances from 2017-2019 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Dr. Felton be appointed to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

 

     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