STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3988

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 660

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

Center for Nursing Advisory Board

G.M. No. 660

SARAH KAMAKAWIWOʻOLE for a term to expire 06-30-2027,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Sarah Kamakawiwoʻole for service on the Center for Nursing Advisory Board.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Sarah Kamakawiwoʻole from the Center for Nursing and five individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Kamakawiwoʻole's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Center for Nursing Advisory Board as a member who has a background or experience in community agencies or consumer groups. Your Committee notes that Ms. Kamakawiwoʻole has been a public health professional since 2020 and has been serving as the Director of Policy and Strategy for Papa Ola Lōkahi since 2022, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that oversees Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems statewide and aims to improve the physical, mental, and spiritual health of Native Hawaiians and their families. As Director, Ms. Kamakawiwoʻole leads and oversees the state-level advocacy portfolio and maintenance of organizational policies and procedures. Previously at Papa Ola Lōkahi, Ms. Kamakawiwoʻole was a Policy & Compliance Assistant from 2019 to 2022, developing policy priorities and strategies and supporting organizational compliance and monitoring processes. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Kamakawiwoʻole earned her Master in Public Health, Health Policy & Management from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa and has public health research experience from working as a Research Analyst at the University's Department of Public Health Sciences. Your Committee finds that Ms. Kamakawiwoʻole has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in public health administration and leadership will enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Sarah Kamakawiwoʻole be appointed to the Center for Nursing Advisory 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