STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3993

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 717

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

Language Access Advisory Council

G.M. No. 717

ANNABELLE STONE 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 Annabelle Stone for service on the Language Access Advisory Council.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Annabelle Stone from Waipahu Safe Haven and AlohaCare.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Stone's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Language Access Advisory Council as a member who is a bilingual worker who is or has been employed by a state-funded immigrant service agency or program. Your Committee notes that Ms. Stone has over a decade of experience in program leadership, strategic development, and community engagement and currently works as the Director of Health Equity at AlohaCare, a nonprofit health plan that serves Medicaid and Medicaid-Medicare dual-eligible residents in the State. As Director, she leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive framework to improve health equity and address social determinants of health barriers to improve access to quality care and health outcomes for members. At the same time, Ms. Stone is a freelance English and Tagalog Language Interpreter and Community Translator, facilitating clear and effective communication between parties in medical and legal settings and providing accurate translations to ensure mutual understanding and clarity. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Stone is an immigrant and English language learner from the Philippines and brings firsthand experience into addressing the barriers faced by limited English proficiency communities in the State. Your Committee finds that Ms. Stone has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members and her extensive experience as an interpreter and program leader will enhance the effectiveness of the Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Annabelle Stone be appointed to the Language Access Advisory Council 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