STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3374

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 541, 542

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 541 and 542, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Commission on Fatherhood

G.M. No. 541	MARTY OLIPHANT, for a term to expire 06-30-2027; and
G.M. No. 542	BRIAN ALSTON, for a term to expire 06-30-2027,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Marty Oliphant and Brian Alston for service on the Commission on Fatherhood.

MARTY OLIPHANT

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Marty Oliphant from one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Oliphant's professional experience and dedication to serving the public qualify him for appointment to the Commission on Fatherhood. Mr. Oliphant holds a master's degree and bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and has over thirty years of experience working in social services organizations with children and their families. Your Committee notes that Mr. Oliphant is currently the Director of Social Services and Director of Program Integration for Liliʻuokalani Trust. Previously, Mr. Oliphant has held multiple leadership roles in the field of social work, including Director of Programs for HUGS (Help, Understanding & Group Support) from June 2014 to November 2016; Executive Director for National Association of Social Workers, Hawaii Chapter from April 2011 to June 2014; and Director of the Oahu Children's Justice Center of the Judiciary from June 2008 to February 2011. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Oliphant served on the Board of Psychology as a lay member from the community at large from July 2013 to June 2021, and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board and commission members. Your Committee finds that Mr. Oliphant's extensive experience in social work, program development, and management will enhance the effectiveness of the Commission on Fatherhood. Your Committee therefore recommends that Marty Oliphant be appointed to the Commission on Fatherhood based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

BRIAN ALSTON

Your Committee received no testimony for the nomination for the appointment of Brian Alston.

Your Committee finds that Mr. Alston's background and desire to promote healthy family relationships in the State qualify him to be appointed to the Commission on Fatherhood. Mr. Alston holds a master's degree in Cognitive Science and Religion from Boston University and a master's degree in Theology and Ethics from Hartford Seminary. Your Committee notes that Mr. Alston is currently serving as a Resident Assistant at Mental Health Kokua. Previously, Mr. Alston has exemplified his experience in conflict resolution and leadership development as Resident Services Manager for Lihue Court Townhomes from January 2012 to December 2016, Recovery Coach for Paradise Recovery, LLC from September 2007 to April 2009, and Staff Therapist for Addiction Treatment Center in Brighton, Massachusetts from June 2003 to July 2007. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Alston's extensive experience serving community members will enhance the effectiveness of the Commission on Fatherhood. Your Committee therefore recommends that Brian Alston be appointed to the Commission on Fatherhood based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

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,

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JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair