STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3965

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 546

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

Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board

G.M. No. 546

WAIANUHEA GETGEN 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 Waianuhea Getgen for service on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board.

Your Committee did not receive any testimony on the nomination for the appointment of Waianuhea Getgen.

Your Committee finds that Ms. Getgen's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board as a member who is a service area provider of mental health services. Your Committee notes that Ms. Getgen has been a licensed marriage and family therapist since 2014 and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor since 2020. She currently works as the Behavioral Health Manager for Kamehameha Schools, where she is responsible for the supervision and coordination of mental health activities across the Kamehameha Schools Behavioral Health division. At the same time, Ms. Getgen serves as a marriage and family therapist in private practice at ʻŌhiʻa Counseling Services in the County of Maui. Over the course of her career, Ms. Getgen has collaborated extensively with families, clinicians, educators, medical providers, administrators, and community agencies, giving her a systems-level understanding of how services connect, or fail to connect, across schools, health care facilities, community programs, and state agencies. Your Committee finds that Ms. Getgen has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in providing behavioral health and mental health services will enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Waianuhea Getgen be appointed to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board based on her 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,

____________________________

JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair