STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1316

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 639, 641, 642

 

 

 

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 639, 641, and 642, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Statewide Council on Independent Living

 

G.M. No. 639

MARC ANTOINE MORTIMER,

for a term to expire 6-30-2012;

 

G.M. No. 641

YVONNE L. FOSTER,

for a term to expire 6-30-2014; and

 

G.M. No. 642

ANN ELIZABETH LEMKE,

for a term to expire 6-30-2014,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Marc Antoine Mortimer, Yvonne L. Foster, and Ann Elizabeth Lemke to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Statewide Independent Living Council.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Mr. Mortimer from the Department of Human Services, Statewide Independent Living Council of Hawaii, and one individual.

 

     Mr. Mortimer has extensive volunteer and advocacy experience, and as a person with a disability who lives independently in the community, he also has firsthand knowledge about independent living that would be very beneficial to the Council.

 

     In 2003, Mr. Mortimer engaged in advocacy and lobbying activities at the California State Capitol for Assembly Bill 649, relating to funding for community services and support for persons with developmental disabilities.  He also lobbied for legislation to improve health care and promote independent living for persons with disabilities in California.  Mr. Mortimer has participated in fundraising activities for Easter Seals, American Red Cross, and the United Way.  Mr. Mortimer was previously appointed to serve on the Statewide Independent Living Council in 2007.

 

     Mr. Mortimer expressed through his personal statement that his desire to serve on the Board stems from his need to serve others, especially people with disabilities.  Mr. Mortimer is passionate about sharing his own experiences and talking to people with disabilities about the opportunities for independent living and integration into their community.  Mr. Mortimer has been effective in contributing to others by volunteering in organizations that serve people with disabilities.

 

     Your Committee finds that Mr. Mortimer's experience in advocating for the independent living needs of individuals with disabilities and the services necessary to ensure their integration into the community will be an asset to the Statewide Independent Living Council.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Ms. Foster from the Department of Human Services, Statewide Independent Living Council, and one individual.

 

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Foster has over thirty years of business and volunteer experience.  She has lived on Kauai since 1997 and has served on numerous boards and community associations.  She has been a board member of Kauai Economic Opportunities, Incorporated for the past nine years.  As a member, she has had the opportunity to serve the needs of the homeless and low-income population.  Ms. Foster has also served on the board of the Mutual Housing Association of Hawaii, Holy Family Parish International Community, and Marist Brothers High School Board of Parents. 

 

     Ms. Foster expressed through her personal statement that her sincere interest in assisting individuals with disabilities is what motivates her to serve on the Statewide Independent Living Council.  Testimony by the Statewide Independent Living Council indicates that Ms. Foster's experience living on another island, as well as her volunteer and work experience, will be of great value to the Council.

 

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Foster's experiences with a variety of community associations relating to housing, parenting, legal aid, and integration qualify her to be a member of the Statewide Independent Living Council.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Dr. Lemke from the Department of Human Services, Statewide Independent Living Council, and four individuals.

 

     Dr. Lemke earned her Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from New Mexico State University.  She currently serves as Windward Community College's Disability Specialist and Admissions Coordinator.  Dr. Lemke is an active community member and volunteer and is the current President of the Anuenue Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii.  She has previously served on the boards of Goodwill Industries in El Paso, Texas and the Hawaii Center for Independent Living.  Dr. Lemke was also one of a group of disabled advocates who started the Volar Center for Independent Living in El Paso, Texas.

 

     According to Dr. Lemke's personal statement, her experiences as a person with a lifelong disability have instilled in her a desire to help people with disabilities attain a level of independence that will allow them to fully participate in and contribute to their communities.  Dr. Lemke also mentioned that her career has been guided by two complementary passions.  First, she has spent over thirty years as a postsecondary counselor who specializes in assisting persons with physical, mental, and sensory disabilities in their quest to complete a college education.  Second, she has also been a devoted volunteer in the independent living movement.  As an independent, contributing member of society who has a disability, Dr. Lemke strives to lead by example and learn from other individuals with disabilities who work for equality and justice.

 

     Your Committee finds that Dr. Lemke's past experience, current employment as a college counselor, and continuing commitment to the fundamental strengths of the independent living movement uniquely qualify her to serve on the Statewide Independent Living Council and work for a better life for persons with disabilities in Hawaii.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services,

 

 

 

____________________________

SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair