STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3829

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 609, 614, 636, 667

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2018

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 609, 614, 636, and 667, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

State Council on Developmental Disabilities

 

G.M. No. 609

HEIDI HARGETT,

for a term to expire 06-30-2020;

 

G.M. No. 614

CATHERINE SORENSEN,

for a term to expire 06-30-2020;

 

G.M. No. 636

NATALIE KAMA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022; and

 

G.M. No. 667

RICKY SHIMOKAWA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Heidi Hargett, Catherine Sorensen, Natalie Kama, and Ricky Shimokawa for service on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

 

HEIDI HARGETT

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Heidi Hargett from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and The Arc of Kona.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Hargett's experience, background, and leadership qualify her to be nominated for appointment to the Council as an individual with a developmental disability.  Your Committee notes that federal law requires that sixty percent of the membership of the Council consist of individuals with developmental disabilities or their parents, relatives, or guardians, and that Ms. Hargett's appointment will help fulfill this requirement.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Hargett is currently employed as a courtesy clerk at Safeway, and that she obtained employment through collaboration with The Arc of Kona, demonstrating her familiarity with services available to persons with disabilities.  Your Committee also finds that Ms. Hargett serves as the Chair of the Big Island West Hawaii Self-Advocacy Advisory Council, demonstrating her understanding of the role and responsibilities of Council membership.  Your Committee also finds that Ms. Hargett led a campaign to change a local bus route to accommodate the commutes of her peers, demonstrating her interest in advocacy and activism.

 

CATHERINE SORENSEN

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Catherine Sorensen from the Department of Health, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and three individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Sorensen's employment, knowledge, and expertise qualify her to be nominated for appointment to the Council as a representative of the state agency that administers funds under Title V of the Social Security Act.  Your Committee finds that Dr. Sorenson currently serves as the Coordinator of the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Program in the Maternal and Child Health Branch, Family Health Services Division, Health Resources Administration, Department of Health.  Your Committee further finds that this program addresses the needs of special populations, including violence prevention for children and adults with disabilities.  Your Committee also finds that Dr. Sorensen previously served as the first Statewide Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Coordinator, and that her experience in this role will be valuable to the Council.  Your Committee also finds that Dr. Sorensen has a niece and nephew with special needs, demonstrating her personal investment in the work of the Council, in addition to her professional capacity.

 

NATALIE KAMA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Natalie Kama from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Aloha Psychological Services, and two individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Kama's background, experience, and dedication to community service qualify her to be nominated for reappointment to the Council as a parent of an individual with a developmental disability.  Your Committee notes that federal law requires that sixty percent of the membership of the Council consist of individuals with developmental disabilities or their parents, relatives, or guardians, and that Ms. Kama's appointment will help fulfill this requirement.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Kama is currently employed as the Lead Organizer for Faith Action for Community Equity Hawaii, demonstrating her commitment to serving the public.  Your Committee also finds that Ms. Kama currently serves on the Council and understands the role and responsibilities of Council membership.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Kama has been involved with the Maui Disability Alliance's annual Legislative Forum, and will provide the Council with her unique perspective, not only as a Maui resident but as a Native Hawaiian.  Ms. Kama notes in her personal statement that she hopes to create a Parent Advocacy Group to better assist the families of children with developmental and intellectual disabilities and navigate the maze of available resources.

 

RICKY SHIMOKAWA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Ricky Shimokawa from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Department of Education, and two individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Shimokawa's employment, experience, and background qualify him to be nominated for reappointment to the Council as a representative of the state agency that administers funds under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Shimokawa is currently employed as an Educational Specialist in the Department of Education; in this position he conducts investigations regarding parent complaints about services provided to their children and works to provide equal access under the law.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Shimokawa's approximately fifteen years of employment as a Vice Principal, Special Education Teacher, and Civil Rights Compliance Specialist provide him with experience in the education field, which will be valuable to the Council.  Your Committee also finds that Mr. Shimokawa serves on the Council and understands the role and responsibilities of Council membership.  Mr. Shimokawa notes in his personal statement his plans to continue to ensure the Department of Education provides the necessary supports to students with disabilities.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health 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 Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health,

 

 

 

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair