STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3966

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 708

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

Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board

G.M. No. 708

NICOLE HOKOANA 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 Nicole Hokoana for service on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Nicole Hokoana from the Department of Health, Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, Hina Mauka, and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Hokoana's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board as a member who is a service area provider of mental health services. Your Committee notes that Ms. Hokoana has been a behavioral health executive for over two decades and has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Maui Behavioral Health Resources since 2023, after serving as the organization's Chief Operating Officer for over five years. In her current position, Ms. Hokoana oversees the multi-agency, Maui-based continuum of care and provides executive leadership, strategic planning, governance support, and fiscal oversight across its adult mental health, substance use disorder treatment, and youth and family behavioral health services. Previously, Ms. Hokoana was the Director of Maui County Programs for Child & Family Service from 2012 to 2018, which has given her an understanding of the State's mental health and substance use systems, especially as they relate to the Maui service area. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Hokoana is an active member in her community and serves with the Maui Sexual Assault Response Team and Maui Nui Partners in Healing initiative. Your Committee finds that Ms. Hokoana has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience as a behavioral health executive will enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Nicole Hokoana be appointed to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui 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,

____________________________

JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair