STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3952

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 538

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. 538, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Health Planning Council, Hawaiʻi County Subarea

G.M. No. 538

ALLEN NOVAK 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 Allen Novak for service on the Health Planning Council, Hawaii County Subarea.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Allen Novak from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, Hawaii Healthcare Task Force, and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that Mr. Novak's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Health Planning Council, Hawaii County Subarea. Your Committee notes that Mr. Novak has been a registered nurse for nearly fifty years and a Psychiatric Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and Behavioral Health Therapist since 1995, providing psychotherapy, psychotropic medication management, and outpatient treatment for individuals, couples, and families in Hilo, County of Hawaii. Mr. Novak is currently engaged in private practice while also serving as a Clinical Instructor at the University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Pharmacy and the University of Hawaii at Mānoa School of Nursing, where he provides advanced psychopharmacology training and clinical experience in community mental health, respectively. Previously, he served as Executive Director of Kapiolani HealthHawaii Big Island Behavioral Health Services and as a Clinical Nurse Specialist and Mental Health Services Director at Castle Medical Center, overseeing the development of community-based behavioral and mental health programs. Your Committee finds that Mr. Novak has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members and his extensive experience in clinical settings, health care education, and health care leadership will enhance the effectiveness of the Health Planning Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Allen Novak be appointed to the Health Planning Council, Hawaii County Subarea based on his knowledge, background, and dedication 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