STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3873

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 572

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 572, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Commission on the Status of Women

G.M. No. 572

KERESTIN WALKER for a term to expire 06-30-2026,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Kerestin Walker for service on the Commission on the Status of Women.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kerestin Walker from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women; Hawaii State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Plus Commission; Salted Logic; and five individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Walker's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Commission on the Status of Women as a member. Your Committee notes that Ms. Walker is currently attending Portland State University, where she is pursuing a Masters Degree of Technical and Professional Writing. Your Committee additionally notes that Ms. Walker was most recently a mental health educator at Mental Health America of Hawaiʻi from 2023 to 2025, where she delivered mental health wellness trainings to organizations and schools and provided crisis support and connected individuals with resources. Ms. Walker was also a coordinated care case manager at Care Hawaiʻi, where she addressed crisis situations with one-on-one support. Your Committee also notes that Ms. Walker is active in her community. She currently serves as a coalition member for Hawaiʻi Justice Rising, is an advisory member for the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness at the Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center, and is co-lead for the Equity Workgroup at HepFree Hawaiʻi. Your Committee finds that Ms. Walker has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in mental health will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Commission on the Status of Women. Your Committee therefore recommends that Kerestin Walker be appointed to the Commission on the Status of Women based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

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KARL RHOADS, Chair