STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3840

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 730, 731

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 730 and 731, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Advisory Board on Veteran's Services

G.M. No. 730	JANET COVINGTON for a term to expire 06-30-2030; and
G.M. No. 731	JASON SEAL for a term to expire 06-30-2030,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Janet Covington and Jason Seal for service on the Advisory Board on Veteran's Services.

janet covington

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Janet Covington from the Office of Veterans Services, Child & Family Service, and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Covington's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Advisory Board on Veteran's Services as a member representing Oahu. Your Committee notes that Ms. Covington has been a clinician since 2005 and currently works as the clinic director at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Child & Family Service. Previously, Ms. Covington was a psychological health coordinator and a military family life counselor. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Covington is an active member in her profession, and is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Hawaiian Islands Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and Hawaii Psychological Association. Your Committee finds that Ms. Covington has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience as a clinician will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Advisory Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Janet Covington be appointed to the Advisory Board on Veteran's Services based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

jason seal

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Jason Seal from the Office of Veterans Services and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Seal's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Advisory Board on Veteran's Services as a member representing the City and County of Honolulu. Your Committee notes that Mr. Seal served as a United States Marine Corps Officer for over twenty-seven years and retired at the rank of colonel. While serving in the United States Marine Corps, Mr. Seal participated in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm and was a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve Forces Policy Board. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Seal is an active member in numerous veterans' organizations, including Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Veterans, American Legion, Military Officers Association of America, and Disabled American Veterans. Your Committee finds that Mr. Seal has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience as a retired member of the United States Marine Corps will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Advisory Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Jason Seal be appointed to the Advisory Board on Veteran's Services based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs,

____________________________

CAROL FUKUNAGA, Chair