STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1816

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2005

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 651, 652, 653

 

 

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. 651, 652, and 653, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

state rehabilitation council

G.M. No. 651

JANE KNOX,

for a term to expire 06-30-2009;

G.M. No. 652

LARRY M. LITTLETON,

for a term to expire 06-30-2009; and

G.M. No. 653

KRISTINE K.H. PAGANO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2009,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee received testimony in support of JANE KNOX from the Department of Human Services and the Kokua Council. Ms. Knox is presently employed as a Telecommunications Relay Service Account Manager for Sprint Relay Hawaii. She received a Bachelor's Degree, Cum Laude, from the University of California, Irvine. Ms. Knox has an extensive history in helping those with disabilities and has served on numerous councils and boards. Her knowledge of the business community and her experience with the challenges facing persons with disabilities makes Ms. Knox an excellent asset to the Council. Your Committee notes the nominee's oral testimony that she would like to see people with disabilities have better career opportunities and she would work with the business community to bring this about.

Your Committee received testimony in support of LARRY M. LITTLETON from the Department of Human Services and two individuals. Mr. Littleton has his own firm, Littleton & Associates, which is engaged in consulting with private sector employers on matters relating to employment of the disabled. He received his education at Rochester Institute of Technology and is an internationally recognized public speaker and advocate for those with disabilities. Mr. Littleton has an extensive background in advocating services for people with disabilities and has served on various boards and councils to improve those services. Mr. Littleton will add an important and unique neighbor island perspective to the council.

Your Committee received testimony in support of KRISTINE K.H. PAGANO from the Department of Human Services, Disability and Communication Access Board, Kokua Council, Aloha State Association of the Deaf, and three individuals. Ms. Pagano is currently a program specialist with the Disability and Communication Access Board and is active in many disability advocacy organizations. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and is currently working towards her Master's in Public Administration. Ms. Pagano's organizational skills, advocacy experience, and an understanding of vocational rehabilitation will make her a valuable asset in establishing the goals and priorities of the council.

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.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services,

____________________________

SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair