STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1323

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 772, 773

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 772 and 773, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Statewide Council on Independent Living

G.M. No. 772	MITCHELL J. KEAWE; and
G.M. No. 773	JENNIFER HAUSLER, for a term to expire 6-30-2014,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Mitchell J. Keawe and Jennifer Hausler to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Statewide Council on Independent Living.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Mitchell J. Keawe from the Department of Human Services, Statewide Independent Living Council of Hawaii, and eleven individuals.

     Mr. Keawe is the Executive Director of the Hawaii Centers for Independent Living.  In that capacity, he runs statewide programs for the independent needs of Hawaii's individuals with disabilities.  He has also served on the boards of various nonprofit and community organizations, including the Ecumenical Council of Independent Catholic Bishops, Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii, and Aloha Festivals.

     Testimony received by your Committee indicates that Mr. Keawe's management experience, community service, and positive attitude will be extremely beneficial to the Statewide Council on Independent Living.

     Your Committee finds that the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, mandates the Statewide Independent Living Council to include the director of a center for independent living as a voting member of the Council.  Mr. Keawe's appointment will fulfill this federal requirement.  Your Committee also finds that Mr. Keawe's professional knowledge, experience, and work with individuals through his position as Executive Director of the Hawaii Centers for Independent Living will be an asset to the Statewide Council on Independent Living.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Jennifer Hausler from the Department of Human Services; Statewide Independent Living Council of Hawaii; American Cancer Society Hawaii Pacific, Inc.; and six individuals.

     Ms. Hausler worked in various positions with the State of Hawaii for thirty-five years.  She also has extensive volunteer experience with nonprofit and community organizations.  For over thirty years she has worked with Make Today Count, a support group for cancer patients and their families.  She also served as the American Cancer Society's State Lead Ambassador for Government and Legislative Affairs.  Ms. Hausler worked as a volunteer for the Statewide Independent Living Council before becoming a part-time staff member.  In that capacity, she became familiar with the work and duties of the Council, assisted with meeting preparations, and assisted and coordinated training sessions for Council members.

     Testimony received by your Committee indicates that Ms. Hausler is a caring and dedicated individual.  She will serve as a passionate advocate for independent living and the integration of persons with disabilities into the community.

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Hausler is well informed about the needs of individuals with disabilities and the programs that enable disabled individuals to live independent lives.  Based on her work experience and history of volunteerism, your Committee is confident she will be an indispensable asset to the State Independent Living Council.

     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 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,

____________________________

SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair