STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3902

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 679

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

Board of Directors of the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation

G.M. No. 679

KELSEY LEW for a term to expire 06-30-2030,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Kelsey Lew for service on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Kelsey Lew from the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation Oahu Regional Health Care System and Board of Directors of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Lew's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify her for appointment to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) as a member residing on the island of Oahu who is appointed by the HHSC Oahu Regional System Board. During the course of Ms. Lew's nearly twenty-year career in the financial industry, she has gained broad experience and knowledge about business development, strategic planning, and corporate leadership. Your Committee notes that Ms. Lew has worked as a Vice President and Corporate Card Department Manager at First Hawaiian Bank since 2013, where she leads a team of finance professionals and provides education, consultation, and support for business development efforts to over seven hundred companies. Previously, Ms. Lew served as a Fraud Investigator with the Bank of Hawaii. Your Committee further finds from the discussion during the hearing on this nomination that the HHSC is focused on becoming more financially self-sustaining and Ms. Lew's financial expertise will help ensure that HHSC decisions are grounded in fiscal responsibility while still advancing the mission of providing high-quality health care to vulnerable communities. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Lew has served as a member of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation Oahu Region since 2025 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of board members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Kelsey Lew be appointed to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation based on her 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