STAND. COM. REP. NO. 4047

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 592

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 592, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Statewide Voters With Special Needs Advisory Committee

 

G.M. No. 592

JAMES GASHEL,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by James Gashel for service on the Statewide Voters with Special Needs Advisory Committee.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of James Gashel from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Disability and Communication Access Board, Honolulu Elections Division, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, and three individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Gashel's experience with the National Federation of the Blind, expertise and familiarity with issues affecting voters with special needs, and passion for helping people with disabilities, qualify him for appointment to the Statewide Voters with Special Needs Advisory Committee.  Mr. Gashel has served the National Federation of the Blind in several key leadership positions for more than thirty years and has become one of the best known advocates for the blind in the United States.  His work has led to significant changes in virtually every law directly affecting blind Americans.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Gashel currently serves as the Secretary of the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii and continues to be a champion and strong advocate for people with disabilities.  Your Committee therefore recommends that James Gashel be appointed to the Statewide Voters with Special Needs Advisory Committee based on his experience, leadership skills, and dedication to public service.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

 

 

 

____________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair