STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1972

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 594, 595, 612, 629

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 594, 595, 612, and 629, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

State Council on Mental Health

G.M. No. 594	KRISTIN WILL, for a term to expire 06-30-2026;
G.M. No. 595	HEIDI ILYAVI, for a term to expire 06-30-2026;
G.M. No. 612	JOHN BETLACH, for a term to expire 06-30-2026; and
G.M. No. 629	MARY WATERHOUSE, for a term to expire 06-30-2024,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Kristin Will, Heidi Ilyavi, John Betlach, and Mary Waterhouse for service on the State Council on Mental Health.

KRISTIN WILL

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kristin Will from the Department of Health.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Will's professional experience, knowledge, and dedication to serving others qualify her for appointment to the State Council on Mental Health as a member representing the principal state agency with respect to criminal justice. Ms. Will holds a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Forensic Psychology and is a state Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. Since 2018, Ms. Will has worked with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness as a social worker within the Mental Health Unit of the Judiciary. In 2021, she assumed the roles of Mental Health Unit Supervisor and Mental Health Court Coordinator for the Judiciary's Mental Health Court Program. Prior to her work with the Judiciary, Ms. Will served as a Substance Abuse Counselor at the Kalihi Branch of the YMCA of Honolulu, where she provided substance use treatment, counseling, and education to youth. Your Committee notes that Ms. Will has served as an interim member of the State Council on Mental Health since July 2022, and her knowledge of the legal system as it pertains to mental health will continue to be invaluable to the Council's work. Your Committee therefore recommends that Kristin Will be appointed to the State Council on Mental Health based on her experience and passion for helping individuals with mental illness and substance abuse disorders.

HEIDI ILYAVI

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Heidi Ilyavi from the Department of Health.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Ilyavi's background, knowledge, and desire to serve her community qualify her for appointment to the State Council on Mental Health as a member representing families of children with serious emotional disturbances. Ms. Ilyavi currently serves as a Parent Partner with Child and Family Service, where she works directly with families caring for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges to help them learn new skills, access resources, advocate for themselves, and navigate state systems and agencies. Further, as a parent of a child with mental health issues, she brings personal experience of the needs, resources, and service gaps of the behavioral health support system. Your Committee notes that Ms. Ilyavi has served on the State Council on Mental Health since 2020. During her tenure, Ms. Ilyavi has advocated for increasing the living wage for mental health workers and the more effective use of data to improve mental health services. Your Committee finds that Ms. Ilyavi's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Council and therefore recommends that Heidi Ilyavi be appointed to the State Council on Mental Health based on her personal and professional experience, proven advocacy, and commitment to serving youth with mental health issues.

JOHN BETLACH

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of John Betlach from the Department of Health.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Betlach's knowledge, experience, and desire to serve the community qualify him for appointment to the State Council on Mental Health as a member representing the Hawaii Service Area Board on Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Mr. Betlach holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master's degree in Holistic Health Education with a focus on body-oriented psychotherapy and cultural differences. For nearly forty years, Mr. Betlach has served as a Health and Wellness Coach, educating individuals on holistic healing methods and how to develop resiliency in times of crisis. As an experienced clinical professional, Mr. Betlach has provided direct care, treatment, intervention, case management, and counseling in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including as a psychiatric technician at a home for children who were sexually abused, suicidal, and chemically dependent. Your Committee notes that Mr. Betlach currently serves as an interim member of the State Council on Mental Health, and his knowledge and experience will continue to be of great value to the Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that John Betlach be appointed to the State Council on Mental Health based on his experience, expertise, and passion for serving those in need.

MARY WATERHOUSE

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Mary Waterhouse from the Department of Health; Hawaii Disability Rights Center; The Institute for Human Services, Inc.; and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Waterhouse's proven leadership, experience, and commitment to public service qualify her for appointment to the State Council on Mental Health as a member representing families of adults with serious mental illnesses who are receiving, or have received, mental health services. Ms. Waterhouse holds a Master's degree in Health Administration, and since retiring from a career in fiscal management in 2009, she has dedicated herself to addressing mental health issues throughout the State. Ms. Waterhouse currently serves as the Vice President of the Hawaii Disability Rights Center and the Board of Directors of Mental Health America of Hawaii. Ms. Waterhouse also formerly served as a Board Member and President of the State's Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Program. Your Committee notes that Ms. Waterhouse has served as an interim member of the State Council on Mental Health since July 2022, where she has demonstrated a deep understanding of the legislative process and commitment to improving Hawaii's mental health laws. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mary Waterhouse be appointed to the State Council on Mental Health based on her experience, leadership, and dedication to improving mental health in the State.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services 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 Health and Human Services,

____________________________

JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair