STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2823

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, 639, 640, 641

 

 

 

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, 639, 640, and 641, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

State Council on Developmental Disabilities

 

G.M. No. 631

SARAH AHINA,

for a term to expire 6-30-2016;

 

G.M. No. 632

BEN DALAUIDAO,

for a term to expire 6-30-2016;

 

G.M. No. 633

SOL RAY DUNCAN,

for a term to expire 6-30-2016;

 

G.M. No. 634

MELISSA GIBO,

for a term to expire 6-30-2016;

 

G.M. No. 635

LOUISE IWAISHI,

for a term to expire 6-30-2016;

 

G.M. No. 636

APRIL MIRA,

for a term to expire 6-30-2016;

 

G.M. No. 637

PATRICIA NISHIMOTO,

for a term to expire 6-30-2016;

 

G.M. No. 638

THERESA OCTAVIO,

for a term to expire 6-30-2016;

 

G.M. No. 639

PAMELA RICE,

for a term to expire 6-30-2016;

 

G.M. No. 640

JOSHUA SMALLEY-BOWER,

for a term to expire 6-30-2016; and

 

G.M. No. 641

CHRISTOPHER TOYAMA,

for a term to expire 6-30-2016,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Sarah Ahina, Ben Dalauidao, Sol Ray Duncan, Melissa Gibo, Louise Iwaishi, April Mira, Patricia Nishimoto, Theresa Octavio, Pamela Rice, Joshua Smalley-Bower, and Christopher Toyama to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

 

     The State Council on Developmental Disabilities' federal mandate, Public Law 106-402, determines the composition of the Council to ensure that all stakeholders involved in the development, implementation, and use of developmental disability supports are represented.  Your Committee finds that the nominees meet the Federal requirements for Council membership.

 

SARAH AHINA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Sarah Ahina from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and one individual.

 

     Ms. Ahina is the Chair of the Self-Advocacy Advisory Council that is working with the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to form a statewide self-advocacy network.  As Chair, she presides over the Self-Advocacy Advisory Council as a stakeholder group and provides feedback to the Department of Health's Developmental Disabilities Division regarding the Developmental Disabilities Waiver program.  Ms. Ahina is also a member of the Council's Employment and Education Committee, which is working to increase supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The Committee's work is dedicated to obtaining and sustaining the chosen life goals of students with developmental disabilities and to prepare students at all educational levels for the transition from high school to adult life, including employment, self-employment, and post-secondary education and training.

 

     Ms. Ahina indicated in her personal testimony that she hopes to recruit more self-advocates on the neighbor islands in order to establish a statewide self-advocacy network.  She has served on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities for the past three years and wishes to continue to help others access services and supports and secure employment so they can achieve independence and be contributing members to the community.

 

BEN DALAUIDAO

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Ben Dalauidao from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Insight Center for Community Economic Development, and three individuals.

 

     Mr. Dalauidao is an active member of the Council's Employment and Education Committee that is working to increase employment options and promote individualized school transitions to employment, self-employment, and post-secondary options for individuals with developmental disabilities.  He is also currently a volunteer at the Veterans Hospital and an Assistant to the Instructor at the Performing Arts Lengthening Stride in Hilo. 

 

     Mr. Dalauidao indicated in his personal statement that he learned a lot during his first term on the Council and would like to continue the valuable work he is doing.  As a resident of East Hawaii and a self-advocate, he represents individuals with developmental disabilities from East Hawaii and is a very motivated member of the East Hawaii Developmental Disabilities Committee.  His representation will provide the perspective the Council needs to assess and enhance the services provided in neighbor island communities.  Mr. Dalauidao will provide valuable insight on how to support individuals with developmental disabilities to become leaders in the community and to establish a statewide self-advocacy network.

 


SOL RAY DUNCAN

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Sol Ray Duncan from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, The Arc in Hawaii, and one individual.

 

     Mr. Duncan is currently a member of the Pearl City Neighborhood Board, the President of Arc Advocates, and an active member of the Self-Advocacy Advisory Council.  He has experience working at Kohala High School as a Custodian and Cleaning Assistant, the State of Hawaii Office of Elections as a Precinct Official, Kapiolani Travel Agency as an Intern, and the Republic Parking Northwest, Inc., as a Parking Auditor.  He is also an avid athlete and has participated in the Special Olympics in track, softball, soccer, and basketball.

 

     Testimony received by your Committee indicates that Mr. Duncan's independent living and his active involvement in the community would assist the Council in achieving its State Plan Goal through leading by example as a person who is self-determined and living life to the fullest, and Mr. Duncan believes that these strengths qualify him to serve on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  His hope is that the Council will address and solve transportation issues, such as ensuring timely pick-ups by The Handi-Van Service, and employment issues, such as individuals with developmental disabilities maintaining employment without jeopardizing their Supplemental Security Income benefits.

 

     Your Committee finds Mr. Duncan's commitment and dedication inspiring.  His experience will assist him in being the voice of individuals who cannot speak for themselves and to advocate for the rights of the developmentally disabled population.

 

MELISSA GIBO

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Melissa Gibo from the Department of Human Services, Advantage Health Care Provider, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, Full Life, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, SECOH, the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and three individuals.

 

     Ms. Gibo comes to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities with nine years of professional experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and a deep understanding of the relevant issues to advocate for and to better serve the developmentally disabled population.  She assists developmentally disabled individuals in becoming competitively employed as part of their goal to build self-sufficiency.  She is currently the Program Director for the Developmental Disabilities Waiver Services program at Catholic Charities Hawai‘i.  In this role, Ms. Gibo works with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities who reside in residential facilities.  Ms. Gibo has also held positions as a housing specialist and employment and education counselor.

 

     Ms. Gibo indicated from her personal statement that she has developed a strong sense of responsibility and a deep commitment to advocating for full inclusion and integration in Hawaii's community so that all people, regardless of ability or disability, may live fully self-determined lives.  She hopes that the Council will strengthen the current service system to ensure all individuals with developmental disabilities receive individualized supports, based on best practices, to live the life they choose.

 

     Ms. Gibo's multiple levels of experience with the Developmental Disabilities Waiver Program, Hawaii Waiver Providers Association's Board of Directors, housing, employment, and education will assist the State Council on Developmental Disabilities in achieving its 2012-2016 State Plan goals for community supports, employment, and education.

 

LOUISE IWASHI

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Louise Iwaishi from the Department of Health; the Health Resources Administration, Family Health Services Division, Department of Health; the State Council on Developmental Disabilities; the University of Hawaii at Manoa; and one individual.

 

     Dr. Iwaishi comes to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities with a long professional history as a dedicated physician, children's advocate, strong supporter of families in caring for their children, and trainer for pediatricians providing care for individuals with developmental disabilities.  Currently, Dr. Iwaishi is the Medical Director for the Family Health Services Division of the Department of Health.  She also serves as the principal investigator for the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities Program and a faculty member under the Pediatrics Department of the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii, and as the Chief of Pediatrics at Shriners Hospital.

 

     Testimony received by your Committee indicates that Dr. Iwaishi has been an active member of the Council, serving as Co-Chair of the Council's Health and Early Childhood Committee.  This Committee works to increase access to medical and dental care services, works to increase access by children and youth with special health care needs and their families to family-centered, community-based, integrated interventions, and supports opportunities to ensure quality of life.

 

     Dr. Iwaishi indicated in her personal statement that she brings to the Council her ability to advocate the holistic medical support of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, her experience as a health care provider, and her commitment to interdisciplinary teamwork and interprofessional collaboration.  She believes that a fully integrated system of care will assure high quality and cost effective services and supports for those with developmental disabilities.

 

     Your Committee finds that Dr. Iwaishi's wealth of knowledge and experience will greatly assist the State Council on Developmental Disabilities in improving health and developmental outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities and improving the provision of appropriate early intervention services to infants and toddlers with special needs.

 

APRIL MIRA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of April Mira from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, The Arc in Hawaii, and one individual.

 

     Ms. Mira is an individual who has a lifetime of experience living with a disability.  She comes to the Council with experience and knowledge on accessing services from the State.  She lives independently with supports in Pearl City operated by The Arc in Hawaii.  As a current member of the Council's Employment and Education Committee, she would like to increase job opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities and is involved with Abilities Unlimited to learn about available jobs in the community.

 

     Testimony received by your Committee indicates that Ms. Mira is a graduate of the Council-sponsored Partners in Policymaking Leadership Academy.  She is a member of the Self-Advocacy Advisory Council and has been actively involved in recruiting to expand its membership.  She is currently a member of the Council's Community Supports, Employment, and Education and Health and Early Childhood Committees.

 

     Ms. Mira indicated in her personal statement that as an individual living with a lifetime disability and an individual seeking employment, she hopes the Council will focus on increasing job opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.  Also, as a self-advocate, she would represent other self-advocates for services that she currently receives such as personal assistance services that allow her to live independently.  Her presence on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities will ensure individuals with developmental disabilities have a voice, an advocate, and a positive role model in the community.

 

PATRICIA NISHIMOTO

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Patricia Nishimoto from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and one individual.

 

     Dr. Nishimoto is currently the Director of the Masters in Social Work Program and an Assistant Professor in the Social Work Program at Hawaii Pacific University.  She was previously an instructor at the University of Hawaii's School of Social Work, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Maternal and Child Health Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program, and Family Resource Department.  Dr. Nishimoto is very active in the community and has firsthand experience raising children with special health care needs.

 

     Testimony received by your Committee indicates that Dr. Nishimoto presently serves as Co-Chair of the Council's Community Supports Committee and previously served as Co-Chair of the Health and Early Childhood Committee.  Under her leadership as Co-Chair of the Health and Early Childhood Committee, the Council made great strides in monitoring the implementation of the QUEST Expanded Access Program and providing feedback to the Department of Human Services on areas for improvement.

 

     Dr. Nishimoto indicated in her personal statement that the Council serves not only to ensure that the human rights of people with developmental disabilities are protected and honored, but also to personally motivate her as a social work professor at Hawaii Pacific University as she helps students honor diversity and encourage respect for people with developmental disabilities.

 

     Your Committee finds Dr. Nishimoto to have a wealth of knowledge and experience as a practitioner, administrator, advocate, and parent of children with special health care needs.  She will greatly assist the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to build capacity in the social work profession to work with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

 

THERESA OCTAVIO

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Theresa Octavio from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and one individual.

 

     Ms. Octavio is an adult with a developmental disability who lives independently with supports.  She is a graduate of the Council-sponsored Partners in Policymaking Leadership Academy and has met with numerous legislators to express her concern and support for increased dental and transportation services on Kauai.  Ms. Octavio is an active member of the Kauai Developmental Disabilities Committee comprised of individuals with developmental disabilities, family members, and public and private service providers.  She is also a member of the Council's Employment and Education Committee that is involved in increasing employment, self-employment, and post-secondary education options for persons with developmental disabilities.

 

     Testimony received by your Committee indicates that Ms. Octavio has experience serving as an advisor to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and a liaison between the Council and the Kauai Developmental Disabilities Committee.  As a member and leader, she reports on activities of the Committee and does not hesitate to offer her position or suggestions on matters pertaining to self-advocates.

 

     Ms. Octavio indicated in her personal statement that Council members are there to help fight for what is right and fair for Hawaii's special needs community.  As a member of the Council, she hopes to continue to remind the Department of Health's case managers to treat individuals with developmental disabilities as human beings and to allow and support them in leading their own lives.

 

     Your Committee finds that as a resident of the Island of Kauai, Ms. Octavio will provide the Council with a valuable perspective on the access to and variety of services available to individuals with disabilities on the neighbor islands.

 

PAMELA RICE

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Pamela Rice from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and three individuals.

 

     Ms. Rice is a mother of two sons with disabilities.  She has a wealth of knowledge and background from her involvement with numerous community organizations and programs.  She was a member of Americorps where she was an advocate for school children with learning disabilities and their families.  She is a graduate of the Council-sponsored Partners in Policymaking Leadership Academy and subsequently became a facilitator.  She is a member of the Po‘ohala Council and the Waianae Children's Community Council.  She has attended many trainings and conferences on autism, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, diabetes, and other topics.  She has also completed training with Hawaii Families as Allies for Department of Education service testing.  She is an advocate for numerous Individualized Education Plan program meetings in support of students and their families in Hawaii and in New Hampshire.

 

     Testimony received by your Committee indicates that Ms. Rice's experience as a parent will continue to give the parent's voice and perspective of the importance of supporting families to enable their child to live with them.  She has been active with the Council's annual "Day at the Capitol" event.  She also serves as a mentor for other parents to convey their interests and concerns to the legislators.

 

     Ms. Rice indicated in her personal statement that as a parent of two adult sons with disabilities, she has been blessed to have a circle of support from the disability community.  Her service to and membership on the Council is her way of paying forward the support she has received.  During her term on the Council, Ms. Rice hopes the Council will become more involved with family support and advocacy.  As part of a family that required supports and services, she believes families need help and the Council is in a position to find a more proactive way of supporting these families.

 

JOSHUA SMALLEY-BOWER

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Joshua Smalley-Bower from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and three individuals.

 

     Mr. Smalley-Bower comes to the Council with experience in receiving services through the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver program.  As a person with medical conditions, he understands the importance of accessible comprehensive medical care for persons with developmental disabilities.  Despite his medical challenges, Mr. Smalley-Bower continues to participate, educate, and advocate on his behalf and many others.  He represented Hawaii at the National Assistive Technology Conference and the National Youth Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.  He was a University of Hawaii "My Voice, My Choice" participant and most currently will represent Hawaii at a regional Youth Leadership Conference to be held in Honolulu.  Mr. Smalley-Bower has also volunteered at Pac-Rim Conferences to demonstrate assistive technology, volunteered at Easter Seals Hawaii to teach other youth with disabilities computer skills, and testified before the Legislature about his self-determination.  Mr. Smalley-Bower has also had the honor of receiving the 1997 Pac-Rim Make A Difference Award.

 

     Testimony received by your Committee indicates that Mr. Smalley-Bower provides a unique perspective from his experience with accessing services through Medicaid and being an individual who requires comprehensive medical care.  He is a member of the Council's Employment and Education Committee that is addressing increasing access to information on employment, self-employment, and post-secondary options for students, families, teachers, and case managers.  He is also a member of the Self-Advocacy Advisory Council, which is working on establishing a statewide self-advocacy network that includes and is governed by individuals with developmental disabilities.

 

     Mr. Smalley-Bower indicated in his personal statement that as a member of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, he hopes to encourage individuals with developmental disabilities to seek necessary services and supports to live self-determined lives and to find ways for individuals that are in medically complicated situations to achieve self-determination.

 

     Mr. Smalley-Bower's experiences will allow him to contribute to the Council's advocacy efforts to assure that the program provides an array of services to support individuals with developmental disabilities in the community in a flexible and individualized manner.  He is a true self-advocate who articulates his desires and exercises his rights and self-determination.

 

CHRISTOPHER TOYAMA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Christopher Toyama from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and one individual.

 

     Mr. Toyama lives independently with supports.  He works at Costco Waipio as a product demonstrator and has an extensive customer service background as indicated by his work experience at Lanakila Crafts of the Lanakila Rehabilitation Center, The Salvation Army, and Zippy's.

 

     Testimony received by your Committee indicates that for the past four years, Mr. Toyama has avidly expressed his desire to serve on the Council.  He is an enthusiastic individual who enjoys helping others achieve independence as he has.  His accomplishments in living independently and working at a large business firm is evidence that people with developmental disabilities can live and work in the community.

 

     Mr. Toyama indicated in his personal statement that he is a very passionate and outspoken person.  He is a competent communicator and a confident public speaker due to his participation in the Global Messengers for the Special Olympics Toastmasters program.  He believes that he possess the knowledge and ability to aid in the decision making process of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  Your Committee is confident that Mr. Toyama's energy and dedication will inspire those who work with him and that his ability to articulate his point of view will provide an example for other individuals to speak for themselves.

 

     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