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Bill

GM 711

Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the State Council on Mental Health, Gubernatorial Nominee, MARISSA CELESTE, for a term to expire 06-30-2030.

2026 Regular Session

Hawaii confirms Marissa Celeste to State Council on Mental Health through 2030 after HHS committee approves 3-0, advancing mental health policy leadership.

Confirmed. Ayes, 24. Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) McKelvey).
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Bill Summary · GM 711

Legislative bill overview

This bill seeks confirmation of Marissa Celeste as a gubernatorial nominee to the Hawaii State Council on Mental Health, with a term ending June 30, 2030. The Health and Human Services (HHS) committee has recommended approval with a 3-0 vote in favor, and the nomination is now moving toward full state council consideration.

Why is this important

The State Council on Mental Health plays a key advisory and policy-making role in Hawaii's mental health system, influencing resource allocation, service standards, and public mental health initiatives. Confirming qualified leadership to this position directly affects mental health policy direction and implementation across the state for the next four years.

Potential points of contention

  • Nominee qualifications: Limited publicly available information about Celeste's background, expertise, and specific vision for mental health policy may warrant scrutiny
  • Mental health funding priorities: Disagreement may exist over whether current mental health services adequately address crisis intervention, substance abuse treatment, or underserved communities
  • Council independence: Questions about whether appointees maintain sufficient independence from gubernatorial influence versus serving as extensions of executive priorities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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