Senate Health and Human Services Committee advises and consents to slate of gubernatorial nominees

The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services at its 1 p.m. online hearing advised and consented to a slate of gubernatorial nominees to state advisory bodies and health boards, voting to approve each Governor's Message presented.

The votes filled seats on panels that advise state policy on substance use, developmental disabilities and the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC), among others. Committee members recorded no recorded objections during the roll calls and the chair declared each recommendation adopted.

The panel advanced several reappointments to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances. Emily Andrade, nominated in GM 544 for a term expiring June 30, 2028, spoke briefly and said she stood on her written testimony. "My name is Emily Andrade. I'm excited for this opportunity. I stand on my written testimony and happy to take any questions," Andrade said. John Valera, administrator of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division at the Department of Health, told the committee the department stood in strong support of Andrade's reappointment, saying it supported "her reappointment to [the commission]."

The committee also advised and consented to the nomination listed as GM 545 (listed in the hearing as "Illinois Kavijia Kawahikawa"/variants in the transcript) for the same advisory commission; the Department of Health submitted written answers and stated support. Joanna Reddy (GM 547), likewise, was recommended for the commission and supported…