STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1200

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 326, 327, 328

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. 326, 327, and 328, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Disability and Communication Access Board

G.M. No. 326	RONALD KATSUMI AWA, for a term to expire 6-30-2011;
G.M. No. 327	PATRICIA MARILYN NIELSEN, for a term to expire 6-30-2011; and
G.M. No. 328	MARK T. OBATAKE, for a term to expire 6-30-2011,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees, and finds Ronald Katsumi Awa, Patricia Marilyn Nielsen, and Mark T. Obatake, to have the necessary qualifications to be nominated to the Disability and Communication Access Board.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Ronald Katsumi Awa from the Executive Director of the Disability and Communication Access Board, Pacific Architects, Inc., and three individuals. 

     Mr. Awa holds a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Hawaii and has been a Registered Professional Architect since 1977.  He has thirty-five years experience in the field of architecture and spent the last twenty years in private practice.  Mr. Awa was a member of the Architectural Access Committee for many years until its dissolution and merger into the current Disability and Communication Access Board.  His significant architectural experience and his knowledge of the design requirements for facility accessibility as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, make him a valuable asset to the Disability and Communication Access Board.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Patricia Marilyn Nielsen from the Executive Director of the Disability and Communication Access Board. 

     Your Committee notes that Ms. Nielsen is being nominated for reappointment to the Disability and Communication Access Board and that her initial appointment was in 2000 and, pursuant to section 26-34, Hawaii Revised Statutes, she will have served the combined maximum terms of service of eight consecutive years on the Board as of 2008.  As such, it is not the intent of your Committee in recommending advise and consent on this nomination that the nominee serve for more than eight consecutive years in the capacity to which nominated.  Ms. Nielsen is the Vice President of Oahu Transit Services, Paratransit Services and is responsible for paratransit services for the 13,000 eligible citizens with disabilities located on the island of Oahu.  Ms. Nielsen is also disabled and has used a wheelchair for over forty-three years.  She brings a heightened understanding of the issues affecting both consumers and service providers and is able to find sound fiscal and administrative solutions for program administration while remaining a strong advocate for persons with disabilities. 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Mark T. Obatake from the Executive Director of the Disability and Communication Access Board and from one individual. 

     Mr. Obatake holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Hawaii and is also a wheelchair user.  He has twenty-one years of professional experience working in the disability field and served as the former Executive Director for Hawaii Centers for Independent Living Statewide.  Mr. Obatake's personal perspective on the issues affecting individuals with disabilities and his considerable professional experience provide him with keen insights regarding the development of policies relating to persons with disabilities in the State.

     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