STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3963

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 554

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

State Council on Mental Health

G.M. No. 554

DANIELLE BERGAN 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 Danielle Bergan for service on the State Council on Mental Health.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Danielle Bergan from the Department of Health.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Bergan's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the State Council on Mental Health as a consumer advocate and non-provider representative of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Board, Maui Service Area Board. Your Committee notes that Ms. Bergan was a Community Care Coordinator with Mental Health America Hawaii in Maui from 2017 to 2024, where she facilitated and presented mental health and suicide prevention trainings and performed community outreach through partnerships with various behavioral and mental health organizations. Ms. Bergan is an active member in her community and serves as a Co-Chairperson of the Prevent Suicide Hawaii Taskforce, the State's major public-private collaborative of over one hundred fifty members specifically focusing on suicide prevention. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Bergan previously served on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Board, Maui Service Area Board from 2015 to 2023, where she served as the Board's Chairperson, and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members. Your Committee finds that Ms. Bergan's experience and knowledge of youth suicide prevention and mental and behavioral health community programs will enhance the effectiveness of the Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Danielle Bergan be appointed to the State Council on Mental Health based on her experience, knowledge, 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