STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2647

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 202

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2010

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 202, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Statewide Council on Independent Living

G.M. No. 202

NATHAN E. SAY, for a term to expire 6-30-2014,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee received testimony in support of Nathan E. Say from the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Human Services, the Statewide Independent Living Council of Hawaii, and three individuals.  Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

     Nathan E. Say received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University-Hawaii in 2007.  Currently, he is employed by the Center on Disability Studies (Administration on Developmental Disabilities) at their Youth Information, Training and Resource Center.  Mr. Say also does consultation with various agencies, and was formerly the Youth Program Coordinator at the Hawaii Centers for Independent Living.  Mr. Say is a member of the Self-Advocacy Advisory Council, and is currently the Chair of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Hawaii.

     Testimony in support of Mr. Say's nomination indicates that he is dedicated to the disabled community, has numerous years of experience in the independent living field, has a wide range of knowledge, is respected in the community, and possesses leadership qualities that provide mentorship to other self-advocates.  Mr. Say has also had the opportunity to develop many positive relationships with various organizations outside the disability community that would be able to contribute to the vision of the Statewide Council on Independent Living.

     Testimony regarding Mr. Say's current position as the Chair of the Statewide Independent Living Council indicates that under his leadership, the Council is moving in a positive direction to achieve its mission and he is a strong advocate who articulates his position in various disability issues with compassion and great conviction.  Testimony also reveals that Mr. Say is one of the emerging leaders in Hawaii with a unique perspective that will move independent living forward.  Mr. Say's charismatic personality and sense of humor have been assets to the Council.

     Your Committee finds that, based on the testimony submitted on his behalf and his knowledge and experience in the disability field, Nathan E. Say has the experience, knowledge and other competencies to be a member of the Statewide Council on Independent Living.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

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

____________________________

SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair