STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3587

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 713, 714, 715, 716, 717, 718, 719, 720, 721, 722, 723, 724, 725

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 713, 714, 715, 716, 717, 718, 719, 720, 721, 722, 723, 724, and 725, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

State Rehabilitation Council

 

G.M. No. 713

ANNETTE TASHIRO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022;

 

G.M. No. 714

ARTHUR CABANILLA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023;

 

G.M. No. 715

CAROLINE CAMPBELL,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023;

 

G.M. No. 716

CHRISTINA PASCUA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022;

 

G.M. No. 717

EVALINA WATANABE,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022;

 

G.M. No. 718

EVAN NAKATSUKA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2020;

 

G.M. No. 719

EVAN NAKATSUKA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023;

 

G.M. No. 720

JOSHUA GRAHAM,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022;

 

G.M. No. 721

NANCY GORMAN,

for a term to expire 06-30-2020;

 

G.M. No. 722

NANCY GORMAN,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023;

 

G.M. No. 723

ROSELANI MANUWAI-ROWE,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022;

 

G.M. No. 724

STANLEY YOUNG,

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

 

G.M. No. 725

WALTER SOARES,

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 Annette Tashiro, Arthur Cabanilla, Caroline Campbell, Christina Pascua, Evalina Watanabe, Evan Nakatsuka, Joshua Graham, Nancy Gorman, Roselani Manuwai-Rowe, Stanley Young, and Walter Soares for services on the State Rehabilitation Council.

 

ANNETTE TASHIRO

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Annette Tashiro from the Department of Human Services.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Tashiro's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council as a representative of the Statewide Independent Living Council.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Tashiro has experience as a rehabilitative specialist for twenty-three years.  Ms. Tashiro currently serves as a volunteer to provide counseling, education, and training opportunities for persons with disabilities in order to help them achieve success in their quality of life aspirations.  Your Committee finds that she has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members and has extensive experience in education-rehabilitation counseling that will enhance the effectiveness of the State Rehabilitation Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Tashiro be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

ARTHUR CABANILLA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Arthur Cabanilla from the Department of Human Services.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Cabanilla's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be reappointed to the State Rehabilitation Council as a member representing Disability Advocacy Groups.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Cabanilla has been the owner of Six Sense Solutions, a certified Access Technology Specialist, Assistive Technology Specialist and licensed therapist since 1992.  He specializes in contracted blindness retail and technical access training.  Since 2016 Mr. Cabanilla has been the affiliate president of the Hawaii Association of the Blind.  Currently, he serves as a board member of the State Rehabilitation Council, Hoopono Advisory Board, and the Library for the Blind.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Cabanilla has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members and his extensive experience in vocational rehabilitation for the visually impaired will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the State Rehabilitation Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Cabanilla be reappointed to the State Rehabilitation Council based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

CAROLINE CAMPBELL

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Caroline Campbell from the Department of Human Services.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Campbell's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Campbell has been a diverse media freelance writer and editor since 1997.  Ms. Campbell has the ability to synthesize complex information and make it accessible for general audiences.  She has extensive experience caring for persons with debilitating disabilities, including her two sons who served as veterans of the United State Army.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Campbell has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members and will enhance the effectiveness of the State Rehabilitation Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Campbell be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

CHRISTINA PASCUA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Christina Pascua from the Department of Human Services.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Pascua's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be reappointed to the State Rehabilitation Council as a member representing Disability Advocacy Groups.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Pascua has been a transition coordinator and care coordinator working directly with students with disabilities at Kapolei High School since 2017.  Previously, she was a care coordinator, employment/education counselor, and direct support worker providing services to individuals with disabilities.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Pascua has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members and her extensive experience in special education vocational rehabilitation will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the State Rehabilitation Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Pascua be reappointed to the State Rehabilitation Council based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

EVALINA WATANABE

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Evalina Watanabe from the Department of Human Services.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Watanabe's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council as a member representing Disability Advocacy Groups.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Watanabe has been an advocate assisting families with children and adults with disabilities as a staffing coordinator since 2014.  Previously, she was an independent living specialist.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Watanabe has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members and her extensive experience in advocacy and education on disability awareness and accessibility to enhance the effectiveness of the State Rehabilitation Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Watanabe be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

EVAN NAKATSUKA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment and reappointment of Evan Nakatsuka from the Department of Human Services.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Nakatsuka's professional experience, background, and desire to serve his community qualify him for appointment and reappointment to the State Rehabilitation Council as a member representing business, industry, and labor.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Nakatsuka has been working as a project coordinator with an emphasis in service delivery for disabilities for four years.  He is currently the director of workforce programs at Lanakila Pacific.  Your Committee further finds that he has served as an interim member of the State Rehabilitation Council and his knowledge and experience continues to enhance the effectiveness of the State Rehabilitation Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Nakatsuka be appointed and reappointed to the State Rehabilitation Council based on his background, knowledge, and desire to contribute to the community.

 

JOSHUA GRAHAM

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Joshua Graham from the Department of Human Services.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Graham's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council as a member who is a qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor from a private agency.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Graham has been a vocational rehabilitation specialist assisting persons with disabilities in the job search and placement process since 2016.  Mr. Graham is currently the CEO of Graham & Associates, LLC and also provides disability counseling.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Graham has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in vocational rehabilitation will enhance the effectiveness of the State Rehabilitation Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Graham be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

NANCY GORMAN

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment and reappointment of Nancy Gorman from the Department of Human Services.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Gorman's professional experience, background, and desire to serve her community qualify her for appointment and reappointment to the State Rehabilitation Council as a representative of the state agency responsible for the public education of students with disabilities.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Gorman has been a district special education specialist for eight years.  Your Committee further notes Ms. Gorman is also an active member in professional and community organizations, including the Developmental Disabilities Divisions Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaii and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.  Your Committee further finds that she has served as an interim member of the State Rehabilitation Council and her knowledge and experience continues to enhance the effectiveness of the State Rehabilitation Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Gorman be appointed and reappointed to the State Rehabilitation Council based on her background, knowledge, and desire to contribute to the community.

 

ROSELANI MANUWAI-ROWE

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Roselani Manuwai-Rowe from the Department of Human Services.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Manuwai-Rowe's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council as a representative for the Parent Training and Information Center.  Your Committee notes that since 2017 Ms. Manuwai-Rowe has been the Chief Executive Officer of Leadership in Disabilities & Achievement of Hawaii and is responsible for its operations implementing its mission.  Previously, she was an education and training coordinator providing training, outreach, and advocacy services for parents, families, and caregivers of children with disabilities and disability professionals.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Manuwai-Rowe has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience will enhance the effectiveness of the State Rehabilitation Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Manuwai-Rowe be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

STANLEY YOUNG

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Stanley Young from the Department of Human Services.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Young's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council as a representative for Disability Advocacy Groups.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Young has been an active participant of Hoopono Services for the Blind.  Together with his two partners and a staff of over eighty employees (including disabled and blind individuals), Mr. Young serves the traveling public through his vending activity.  He has worked with several blind vending facilities since 1995.  Mr. Young is currently the elected chairperson of the Hawaii State Committee of Blind Venders, a Federal Randolph Sheppard Act mandated board of blind venders, which actively participates in all major decisions with Hoopono's Business Enterprise Program.  Your Committee finds that he has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in assisting disabled vendors will enhance the effectiveness of the State Rehabilitation Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Young be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 


WALTER SOARES

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Walter Soares from the Department of Human Services.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Soares' background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council as a representative for Disability Advocacy Groups.  Your Committee notes that since 1989 Mr. Soares has been the President and owner of Island Skill Gathering, a company that facilitates the learning of independent living skills, which empower people with disabilities to discover solutions of assistive technology.  Your Committee finds that he has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members and his extensive experience in providing support services, independent living skills, and vocational counseling to people with disabilities will enhance the effectiveness of the State Rehabilitation Council.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Soares be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

     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,

 

 

 

____________________________

RUSSELL E. RUDERMAN, Chair