GM 654: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Medical Advisory Board, Gubernatorial Nominee, JUDY KOVELL, for a term to expire 06-30-2029.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2013

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 654

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 654, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Medical Advisory Board

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Judy Kovell for service on the Hawaii Department of Transportation Medical Advisory Board.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Judy Kovell from the Department of Transportation.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Kovell's experience and knowledge qualify her for appointment to the Hawaii Department of Transportation Medical Advisory Board as a member representing psychiatry.  Your Committee notes that Dr. Kovell is board certified in psychiatry and currently an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Hawaii and has over twenty years of medical experience and training.  Dr. Kovell has forty years of active service in the armed forces, of which sixteen were in high level leadership positions, including Director of the Psychiatry Residency Program at Tripler Army Medical Center.  Your Committee further finds that Dr. Kovell has demonstrated a commitment to medical education and oversight through her previous appointment to the Hawaii Medical Education Advisory Board where she reviewed statewide medical education needs; related legislative actions; telehealth, research, rural healthcare, and resident and physician funding sources; workforce assessments; and community partnerships.  Your Committee also notes that Dr. Kovell previously served on the Medical Advisory Board from 2015 to 2021, and therefore has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Judy Kovell be appointed to the Hawaii Department of Transportation Medical Advisory Board based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts 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 Transportation and Culture and the Arts,