Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 351, 352, and 353, 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 State Rehabilitation Council.

Your Committee received testimony in support of GENE R. DESCALZI from the Department of Human Services and two individuals. Having received vocational rehabilitation due to a medical condition, Mr. Descalzi brings firsthand knowledge of the importance of vocational rehabilitation to the Council. He has served on the State Rehabilitation Council since July 2003.

Your Committee received testimony in support of DEBRA T. FARMER from the Department of Human Services. Ms. Farmer is administrator of the Special Education Section in the Department of Education, which is responsible for the public education of children with disabilities. She has served on the Council since November 2004. Ms. Farmer provides a perspective on the collaboration between the state vocational rehabilitation and special education programs to better serve Hawaii's students with disabilities.

Your Committee received testimony in support of NANCY G. KINGHORN from Department of Human Services and three individuals. Ms. Kinghorn has served on the State Rehabilitation Council since July 2003. Her personal experience of vision loss as an adult gives Ms. Kinghorn a unique perspective on the impact vocational rehabilitation has on the lives of people with disabilities.

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.