STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3959

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 724

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

Health Planning Council, Kauai COUNTY Subarea

G.M. No. 724

TRICIA-LYNN YAMASHITA 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 Tricia-Lynn Yamashita for service on the Health Planning Council, Kauai County Subarea.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Tricia-Lynn Yamashita from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the Mayor of the County of Kauai, Kōkua Mau, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi, and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Yamashita's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Health Planning Council, Kauai County Subarea. Your Committee notes that Ms. Yamashita has over twenty-five years of experience in executive leadership, public health training, and advanced academic work in palliative care and has been working as the Executive Director of Kauai Hospice since 2019 where she has led organizational transformation resulting in improved quality outcomes, expanded services, and financial sustainability. Previously, Ms. Yamashita was the Director of Operations of Kauai Hospice from 2011 to 2019 and Director of Strategic Solutions for the Girl Scouts of Hawaii from 2003 to 2011. Your Committee finds that Ms. Yamashita's extensive leadership experience has given her knowledge of health care operations, interdisciplinary care models, regulatory compliance, and community-based program development. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Yamashita is an active member in her profession and serves on numerous boards, including the Board of Directors of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and Kōkua Mau. Your Committee finds that Ms. Yamashita has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members and her extensive experience as a health care executive will enhance the effectiveness of the Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Tricia-Lynn Yamashita be appointed to the Health Planning Council, Kauai County Subarea 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