STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3159

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 445

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. 445, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Statewide Council on Independent Living

G.M. No. 445

GORDON L. FULLER, for a term to expire 6-30-2012,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Testimony in favor of Gordon L. Fuller was submitted by the Department of Human Services, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Hawaii Center on Independent Living, the Statewide Independent Living Council, and ten individuals.  Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

     Gordon Lee Fuller has studied extensively in many different areas, including a wide range of study after he became legally blind at the age of eighteen.  When Mr. Fuller was six years of age, he was enrolled in the Gifted Children's Program at Arizona State University.  He was accepted to the European Art Academy System and studied in the State Academy in Amsterdam, where he completed an apprenticeship in industrial design.  Subsequently, Mr. Fuller returned to Arizona State University, where he studied journalism, mass communications, advertising, business administration, accounting and psychology.  In 1978. Mr. Fuller began studying computer science and engineering at the University of Arizona, where he also taught classes in Electronic Art and Video Art.  While working at Pacific Bell, Mr. Fuller received technical training in advanced telecommunications and networks.

     Mr. Fuller has held numerous positions of employment with various companies and entities.  He has worked with Avant-Garde Ventures, LLC, Satcom Consultants, Pacific Bell, California Research Education Network, S3D Corporation, and International Training and Video Systems Inc.  Testimony indicates that Mr. Fuller will bring a diverse business background and a personal awareness of the need for independent living services for people with disabilities.  His enthusiasm for advocacy for persons with disabilities is most refreshing, and he is a team player, has great respect and sensitivity to the diverse cultures in our State, and his integrity and principles are apparent in his work.  Mr. Fuller is described as a true visionary who understands the nuances for social change and inspires confidence and a spirit of teamwork among his staff.

     Based on his knowledge, experience and character traits for leadership and vision, your Committee is confident that Mr. Fuller is well-suited for the Statewide Council on Independent Living.

     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 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