STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3974

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 537

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 537, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Hawai'i Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances

G.M. No. 537

KUNANE DREIER for a term to expire 06-30-2029,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Kunane Dreier for service on the Hawaiʻi Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kunane Dreier from the Department of Health, Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, and Hina Mauka.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Dreier's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances as a member who represents the community and business affairs segment of the community. During the course of Mr. Dreier's career, he has gained broad experience and knowledge of the community across the continuum of substance use, prevention, and recovery. Your Committee notes that Mr. Dreier has been working as the Director of Training and Program Development at the Hawaii Health & Harm Reduction Center since 2018, where he provides management and oversight of training, smoking cessation, houseless outreach, and other prevention programs and special projects. Previously, Mr. Dreier served for over a decade as the Director of Prevention Services with Life Foundation coordinating various prevention projects and contracts and providing training and support in all areas of human immunodeficiency virus prevention and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender cultural competency. Your Committee also notes that Mr. Drier has over two decades of lived experience recovering from alcohol and substance use. Mr. Dreier is also an active member in his community and has served with numerous working groups, committees, and advisory panels, including the Papa Ola Lōkahi Culture & Addictions Advisory Council, 2027 State Harm Reduction Planning Committee, and Hawaii Area 17. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Dreier has been serving as an interim member of the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances since 2025 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Kunane Dreier be appointed to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

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

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JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair