GM 716

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1869

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 716

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

Commission on Fatherhood

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Mark Augustine for service on the Commission on Fatherhood.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Mark Augustine from Maui Family Support Services, Inc. and eight individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Augustine's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Commission on Fatherhood.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Augustine is a father of four children who for the past fourteen years has been learning and understanding the challenges that many fathers face, such as navigating parental responsibilities, strengthening family bonds, and seeking guidance during difficult times. 

     Mr. Augustine is currently a program supervisor for the Pōhai Kākoʻo ʻOhana parent skills-building workshop at Maui Family Support Services, Inc., where he assists parents and children to build family relationships and to prevent children from using drugs and alcohol.  Through his current work, Mr. Augustine has gained experience in identifying risk factors, reinforcing protective measures for children, and engaging in non-violent mediation, a needs-based approach that requires deep listening, empathy, and conflict-resolution skills to assist families to navigate difficult situations and develop healthier relationships.  Mr. Augustine's previous professional experience includes serving as a physical education teacher and coach at Peninsula Community Center in Redwood City, California, where he evaluated and implemented the physical education curriculum and provided physical and nutrition education classes for children from kindergarten through fifth grade.  Mr. Augustine also served as a jail coordinator at the Service League of San Mateo County in Redwood City, where he counseled inmates on release options for successful re-entry into the community and advocated for inmates who were fathers dealing with child support issues by facilitating communications with people outside the facility.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Augustine has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of commission members and his firsthand experience as a father, professional knowledge and experience, and dedication and commitment to support families will enhance the effectiveness of the Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mark Augustine be appointed to the Commission on Fatherhood based on his knowledge, background, and dedication 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,