Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 196 and 197, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees, and finds the nominees to have the necessary qualifications to be appointed to the Statewide Council on Independent Living.

Testimony in support of Waynette K.Y. Cabral was submitted by the Statewide Independent Living Council of Hawaii and an individual. Mrs. Cabral holds bachelor's and master's degrees in social work from the University of Hawaii and has twenty-eight years experience in the field of developmental disabilities. Presently, she is employed with the State Council on Developmental Disabilities where she has spent eighteen years in various positions, with the last two and half years as its executive director.

Testimony in support of Pina Lemusu was submitted by the Statewide Independent Living Council of Hawaii. During Ms. Lemusu's first term as a member she has brought her unique perspectives and experience to the work that the council performs. She is currently a graduate student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa studying Rehabilitation Counseling and holds a degree in Justice Administration from the University of Hawaii at West Oahu.

Your Committee members diligently questioned the nominees regarding their vision and priorities regarding the promotion of independent living and integration of persons with disabilities into the community and to aid individuals in achieving their goals and basic human rights. The nominees demonstrated a commitment to proactively protect and improve the Statewide Council on Independent Living. Your Committee believes that the nominees adequately responded to the Committee's inquiries.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that is 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.