GM 632: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Hawai'i Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substance, Gubernatorial Nominee, JON FUJII, for a term to expire 06-30-2028.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1848

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 632

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 632, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Hawai'i Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Jon Fujii for service on the Hawaiʻi Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Jon Fujii from the Department of Human Services, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of the Department of Health, and ʻOhana Health Plan.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Fujii's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Hawai‘i Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances in the role of a member of the State Council on Mental Health, who shall be knowledgeable about the community and the relationships between mental health, mental illness, and substance abuse.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Fujii has over thirty years of experience in the State's health care industry.  He has been working in the Med-QUEST Division of the Department of Human Services for nineteen years, as an administrator of the Research Officer/Data Analysis and Provider Network Section from 2006 to 2015 and as the Health Care Services Branch Administrator since 2015, and therefore, has extensive knowledge of the various challenges faced by individuals in the State's Medicaid population suffering from mental illnesses.  Your Committee also notes that Mr. Fujii's previous professional experience includes serving as a senior contract reimbursement manager at Hawaii Pacific Health and medical economics manager at Kapiolani Health Hawaii.  Your Committee further notes that Mr. Fujii has been a member of the State Council on Mental Health since 2020 and his knowledge and background will be assets to the Advisory Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Jon Fujii be appointed to the Hawai‘i Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment 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,