STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3968

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 707

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

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

G.M. No. 707

KANWARDEEP KALEKA 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 Kanwardeep Kaleka 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 Kanwardeep Kaleka from the Department of Health.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Kaleka's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him 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 Dr. Kaleka has been a physician since 2015 and has been working as a Psychiatrist and Family Medicine Physician for the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation Kauai Region since 2023. Dr. Kaleka also serves as the Director of Behavioral Health for the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) Kauai Family Medicine Residency Program and as a JABSOM Medical School Preceptor. Before relocating to Hawaii, Dr. Kaleka served as a contractor providing psychiatry and telehealth services for the Thriving Center of Psychiatry, an Emergency Room Physician at the VA San Diego Healthcare System, and a Behavioral Health Supervisor at the Fallbrook Family Health Center in California. Your Committee therefore recommends that Kanwardeep Kaleka be appointed to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Kauai Service Area Board based on his 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