Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 292, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

KATHLEEN DELAHANTY, for a term to expire June 30, 2002;

LOURDES P. MUGAS, for a term to expire June 30, 2003; and

begs leave to report as follows:

Kathleen Delahanty has relevant professional experience through her employment with Hawaii Medical Services Association, Kahi Mohala Behavioral Healthcare, and Hawaii Disabilities Rights Center, and as a current member and former board member of the Hawaii Association of Health Underwriters. Ms. Delahanty was also a legislative liaison with Hawaii Medical Services Association. She will bring a combination of public policy and administrative experience with health care organizations to her service on the council.

Before graduating from the St. Paul College of Quezon City, Philippines with a B.A. in Psychology in 1988, Lourdes P. Mugas received the 1981 "Model Disabled Person of the Year" during the "Year of the Disabled Persons Convention" held in Manila. She is currently continuing her education in the Masters Program in Social Work at the University of Hawaii. Currently employed as an independent living specialist at Hawaii Centers for Independent Living, Ms. Mugas is also active on the Bishop's Advisory Board for Persons with Disabilities, as well as on the State Rehabilitation Council. This term would be a reappointment.

A decorated veteran, Charles E. Conant has served on the State Rehabilitation Council since August 1998. This term would be a reappointment. Mr. Conant is also currently serving on the Big Island Substance Abuse Council, a position he has held since March 1998. He is also a part-time counselor with that organization, offering him a valuable perspective from the direct service community.

Geraldine M. Ferge is partially paralyzed from a spinal stroke. Through medical technology and strenuous physical therapy, she was able to recover her mobility and function independently. As someone who has experienced firsthand the great value of rehabilitation, Ms. Ferge will be able to advocate effectively for the availability of quality rehabilitative services. She has also been involved in community affairs on Maui in the Valley Isle Timing Association and Upcountry Youth Center.

Victoria A. Suyat is an experienced public relations and fundraising specialist who has worked with a wide variety of nonprofit organizations and health care advocacy groups such as the American Diabetes Association, American Lung Association of Hawaii, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, United Cerebral Palsy Association, and Muscular Dystrophy Association. She provides invaluable direction to the council in this critical area. This term would be a reappointment.

Mikey K. Tomita is a deaf individual with over twenty years of experience as an advocate, negotiator, counselor, and teacher for the deaf. After graduating with a B.A. in Social Work and Sociology in 1976 from Gallaudet University, Mr. Tomita returned to Hawaii and worked successively as a counselor's aide for the Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Blind Division of the Department of Human Services, vocational/exploration counselor for the Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind, counselor and coordinator at Maui Center for Independent Living, and a sign language teacher for the Adult Community Education Division of the Department of Education. Active in the community, Mr. Tomita has also served on the Department of Human Services' Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Advisory Council, Hawaii State Council on Deafness, and Maui Commission on the Handicapped.

Luana S. Nakano is a teacher who has worked at the school, district, and state levels, and is currently engaged with the Department of Education reviewing, developing, implementing, and evaluating special education programs, as well as their effectiveness and outcomes impacting students with special needs. Ms. Nakano also holds a M.E. Psy. in Special Education.

Maureen Bates has been working as the Director of Workforce Development of Goodwill Industries of Hawaii, Inc., since 1998. Prior to that she worked as an administrator, instructor, and sales representative in the financial, recreation, rehabilitation, and education industries. Ms. Bates' older brother has mental retardation and she has been working with him for over 30 years, assisting him in choosing and achieving independent living goals. She hopes to contribute to the State Rehabilitation Council as an advocate for individuals needing support to attain independent living goals through employment or starting their own businesses.

Upon review of the statements submitted by the nominees, your Committee finds that the aforementioned nominees will work with compassion and commitment to assist in administering the government functions related to disabilities and rehabilitation. Your Committee further finds that the nominees have been appointed based upon their credentials, integrity, and a desire to make Hawaii better through their participation on the State Rehabilitation Council.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, character, 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.