STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1913

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 654, 655, 656

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Human Services and Public Housing, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 654, 655, and 656, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

State Rehabilitation Council

G.M. No. 654	PINA S. LEMUSU, for a term to expire 6-30-2007;
G.M. No. 655	PINA S. LEMUSU, for a term to expire 6-30-2010; and
G.M. No. 656	DONALD THOMSON, for a term to expire 6-30-2010,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees, and finds Pina S. Lemusu and Donald Thomson to have the necessary qualifications to be nominated to the State Rehabilitation Council.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Miss Pina S. Lemusu's nomination from the Department of Human Services and two individuals from the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Education.

     Miss Lemusu earned a Master of Education specializing in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, a Bachelor of Justice Administration from the University of Hawaii West Oahu, a Liberal Arts degree from Leeward Community College, and her High School Diploma from Faga‘itua High School in American Samoa.

     Her work experience includes serving as a Youth Program Specialist for Hawaii Centers for Independent Living and a Job Placement Specialist for Lanakila Rehabilitation Center.  She has completed training in strategic and Olmstead training and as a mentor-in-training for the Successful Transition In Diverse Environments (STRIDE).  She is a member of the National Rehabilitation Association, Statewide Independent Living Council, and the Recruitment Committee of the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Education Vocational Advisory Board.  Miss Lemusu is also serving as the coordinator for the Hawaii portion of the national "Road to Freedom Tour," that aims to promote the awareness and respect of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

     Miss Lemusu has served as an interim member of the State Rehabilitation Council since August 2006.  Based on her many achievements, it is evident that she is a highly motivated and caring person who finds great satisfaction and self fulfillment in serving others.  For these reasons, your Committee finds Miss Lemusu to be qualified to serve on the State Rehabilitation Council representing recipients of vocational rehabilitation services.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Mr. Donald Thomson's nomination from the Department of Human Services and one individual.  Mr. Thomson has taught as a Professor of Sociology and American Studies at Leeward Community College for over thirty-six years, serving as the Social Science Division Chair for the last seven.  He is a former vice-chair of the Leeward Faculty Senate.

     Mr. Thomson has earned both of his Masters in American Studies and Sociology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  He attended the California School for the Blind and the California Orientation Center for the Blind.  He is a member of the Hawaii Association of the Blind of which he is the Legislative Chair and Second Vice President.  Mr. Thomson is a former President and former First Vice President of that Association.  He has also held the position of Legislative Chair of the University of Hawaii Student Faculty Union and of President of Friends of Jazz Hawaii.

     Based on his experience and training, your Committee finds Mr. Thomson to be qualified to serve on the State Rehabilitation Council representing recipients of vocational rehabilitation services.

     Your Committee finds both of these nominees to be very accomplished and to be excellent examples of individuals with disabilities who have succeeded and desire to give a voice to others.  Your Committee believes they have the background and personal drive needed to give guidance and direction to the State Rehabilitation Council to better meet the needs of its constituents.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services and Public Housing 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 Human Services and Public Housing,

____________________________

SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair