STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3981

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 689, 737

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 Nos. 689 and 737, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs

G.M. No. 689	SCOTT SPALLINA for a term to expire 06-30-2030; and
G.M. No. 737	ROY KATSUDA 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 Scott Spallina and Roy Katsuda for service on the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.

SCOTT SPALLINA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Scott Spallina from the Executive Office on Aging, Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs, Hawaii Family Caregiver Coalition, and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Spallina's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs as a member with interest and knowledge in, and ability to contribute to, the solution of problems relating to aging. Your Committee notes that Mr. Spallina has been a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for over three decades at the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, of the City and County of Honolulu, where he conducted hundreds of legal trainings and public education sessions focused on elder abuse prevention, fraud awareness, and senior protection. Mr. Spallina also coordinated with the former Adult Protective Services branch of the Department of Human Services, health care professionals, and law enforcement in establishing the State's Elder Abuse Justice Unit to improve elder safety and prosecution outcomes. Your Committee also finds that Mr. Spallina is an active member of his community and has served with various organizations serving older adults, including the Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society, KHON2 News' Elderhood Project, and Hawaii State Bar Association's Senior Counsel Division. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Spallina previously served on the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee finds that Mr. Spallina's extensive experience and knowledge in protecting Hawaii's kupuna will enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Scott Spallina be appointed to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

ROY KATSUDA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Roy Katsuda from the Executive Office on Aging, Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs, and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Katsuda's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs as a member from the County of Maui with interest and knowledge in, and ability to contribute to, the solution of problems relating to aging. Your Committee notes that Mr. Katsuda served as the Executive Director of Hale Mahaolu for thirty-five years, which provides over eleven hundred affordable housing units to communities on the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai and currently serves as the organization's Executive Director Emeritus. As Executive Director, Mr. Katsuda expanded critical services across various Hale Mahaolu sites and increased the number of affordable housing units for thousands of older adults, demonstrating his ability to anticipate emerging facility needs, implement effective programs for residents, and build strong community partnerships to support kupuna. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Katsuda's longstanding service to the County of Maui ensures that statewide policies consider the diverse needs of kupuna across all islands, especially rural communities that face limited access to transportation, health care, housing, and long-term services and supports. Your Committee finds that Mr. Katsuda has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in affordable housing and senior housing management will enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Roy Katsuda be appointed to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services 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 Health and Human Services,

____________________________

JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair