STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3969

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 709

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

Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Oahu Service Area Board

G.M. No. 709

RAVEN SEVILLEJA 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 Raven Sevilleja for service on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Oahu Service Area Board.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Raven Sevilleja from eight individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Sevilleja's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Oahu Service Area Board as a member who is a nonprovider of mental health or other health services. Your Committee notes that Ms. Sevilleja has been a legal professional since 2016 and currently works as a Legislative Attorney for the Hawaii State Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary, where she conducts legal analysis of legislation and synthesizes competing public policy considerations to contribute to the Committee's decision-making. Previously, Ms. Sevilleja was a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney for the City and County of Honolulu from 2017 to 2025, where she gained a strong understanding of how legal systems, public agencies, and community needs intersect. Your Committee also notes that Ms. Sevilleja has lived experience navigating a serious mental illness, through which she gained insight into the importance of access and continuity of care and ways in which systems can support individuals at critical moments. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Sevilleja is an active member in her community and has served as a member of the City and County of Honolulu Commission on the Status of Women and as an Assisted Community Treatment Legal Volunteer for The Institute of Human Services. Your Committee finds that Ms. Sevilleja has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in legal and public policy analysis as well as her personal perspective on mental health care systems will enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Raven Sevilleja be appointed to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Oahu 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