STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1947

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325

 

 

 

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, and 325, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

State Council on Developmental Disabilities

 

G.M. No. 320

MARGARET MARY BAXTER,

for a term to expire 6-30-2011;

 

G.M. No. 321

PAUL K. HIGA,

for a term to expire 6-30-2011;

 

G.M. No. 322

CHARLOTTE HAUNANI LOSA KAMAUOHA,

for a term to expire 6-30-2011;

 

G.M. No. 323

BERNADETTE LUCY KELIIAA,

for a term to expire 6-30-2011;

 

G.M. No. 324

DEBORAH JEANE RIVERS,

for a term to expire 6-30-2011; and

 

G.M. No. 325

PAUL S. VARGAS, JR.,

for a term to expire 6-30-2011,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     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 developmental disabilities.  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 Council on Developmental Disabilities to which they have been nominated.

 

     Your Committee received testimony supporting the nomination of Margaret Mary Baxter from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

 

     Ms. Baxter is being nominated for reappointment to a second term on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  She is the parent of two sons with developmental disabilities; thus filling a Council membership requirement that sixty per cent of the membership be from individuals with developmental disabilities, their parents, or family members.  Ms. Baxter is a graduate of the Council-Sponsored Partners in Policymaking Leadership Academy.  She is also very involved with the Special Olympics, Waianae Coast Coalition, Persons with Disabilities Ministry, Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board, and the Special Parent Information Network.  Your Committee greatly appreciates Ms. Baxter's service and finds that she will continue to be a valuable asset to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

 

     Your Committee received testimony supporting the nomination of Paul K. Higa from the Department of Human Services, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and two individuals.

 

     Mr. Higa is currently the Supervisor of the Department of Human Services Med-QUEST Division and has served on the Council since July 9, 2001.  His membership on the Council meets the requirements of the federal law to have a representative from the state agency administering funds provided under Title XIX of the Social Security Act. 

 

     Your Committee further finds that Mr. Higa's knowledge and extensive experience in developing Medicaid programs, policies, and procedures will continue to assist the State Council on Developmental Disabilities in its advocacy to increase and maximize federal reimbursements for individuals with developmental disabilities in the Home and Community Based Services Waiver Program.  Your Committee greatly appreciates Mr. Higa's service and finds that he will continue to be a valuable asset to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

 

     Your Committee received testimony supporting the nomination of Charlotte Haunani Losa Kamauoha from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Ko‘olauloa Community Childrens' Council.

 

     Ms. Kamauoha is being nominated for reappointment to a second term on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  Ms. Kamauoha's nomination satisfies the federal requirement, serving as a member on the Council in her capacity as a parent of a son with autism.  Her extensive life and employment experiences will enable her to continue to provide the Council with invaluable insight and perspective of the public education system for students in special education.  Your Committee greatly appreciates Ms. Kamauoha's service and finds that she will continue to be a valuable asset to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

 

     Your Committee received testimony supporting the nomination of Bernadette Lucy Keliiaa from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and one individual.

 

     Ms. Keliiaa began serving on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities in 2007 and is being nominated for reappointment.  She is the parent of a son with a developmental disability and has been an active member of the Council's Community Supports Committee that addresses increasing residential and transportation options, adequate funding for services and supports, and quality assurance.  Your Committee greatly appreciates Ms. Keliiaa's service and finds that she will continue to be a valuable asset to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

 

     Your Committee received testimony supporting the nomination of Deborah Jeane Rivers from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and one individual.

 

     Miss Rivers is being nominated for reappointment to a second term on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  She is a self-advocate and an active member of the disabled community.  Miss Rivers served on the Council from 1988 to 1996.  She was also Board President of the Mental Health Association from 1999 to 2001.  Miss Rivers is a strong advocate for disability rights and will continue to assist the Council in promoting independence and self-sufficiency of individuals with developmental disabilities to live a life of their choice.  Your Committee greatly appreciates Miss River's service and finds that she will continue to be a valuable asset to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

 

     Your Committee received testimony supporting the nomination of Paul S. Vargas, Jr. from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Maui Service Area Board on Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and Maui County Council Member Michael Victorino.

 

     Mr. Vargas is a self-advocate, resides in Maui, and has served on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities since November 21, 2001.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Vargas is being nominated for reappointment to a second full term on the Council, term to expire in 2011.  Pursuant to section 26-34, Hawaii Revised Statutes, he will have served the combined maximum terms of service of eight consecutive years on the Council as of 2009.  As such, it is not the intent of your Committee to recommend to advise and consent on this nomination beyond the term limits of 2009. 

 

     Your Committee further finds that Mr. Vargas' life and employment experiences enable him to effectively advocate for employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities and to set an example for others to achieve self-sufficiency.  Your Committee greatly appreciates Mr. Vargas' service and finds that he will continue to be a valuable asset to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that are 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 Health,

 

 

 

____________________________

DAVID Y. IGE, Chair