GM 574

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1496

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 574

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

Mental Health AND Substance Abuse, Oahu Service Area Board

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Jacquelyn Esser for service on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Oahu Service Area Board.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Jacquelyn Esser from the Department of Health and five individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Esser's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership qualify her for reappointment to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Oahu Service Area Board as a member who is a non provider of mental health services.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Esser has fifteen years of experience serving as a Public Defender in the State.  Ms. Esser has worked as an Assistant Federal Defender for the federal District of Hawaii since 2021, and before that served as a Deputy Public Defender at the Office of the Public Defender of the State for over ten years.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Esser has been serving on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Oahu Service Area Board since 2021 with a proven record of her valuable contributions, stemming from her deep understanding and appreciation of the complications and costs that arise when individuals who have mental illness get entangled further with the criminal justice system.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Jacquelyn Esser be reappointed to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Oahu Service Area Board based on her experience as a public defender and her commitment to the health and well-being of those living with mental illness.

     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,