STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3967

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 706

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

Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Kaua'i Service Area Board

G.M. No. 706

PRITI TAYAL 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 Priti Tayal for service on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Kauai Service Area Board.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Priti Tayal from two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Tayal's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Kauai Service Area Board as a member who is a service area provider of mental health services. Your Committee notes that Ms. Tayal has been working in the mental health field for over twenty-five years. She has been serving as the Community Program Director for Hale ʻOpio Kauaʻi, Inc., a nonprofit corporation that provides programs focused on youth development since 2019, where she develops and implements quality management strategies and plans to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of staff and programs. Previously, Ms. Tayal was a Lead Clinician at Philadelphia Mental Health Center, conducting functional behavioral assessments and supervising staff. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Tayal holds a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology and a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology from Columbia University. Your Committee finds that Ms. Tayal has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in the mental health field will enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Priti Tayal be appointed to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Kauai 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,

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JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair