STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1316

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 514, 515

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 514 and 515, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Disability And Communication Access Board

G.M. No. 514	NIKKI KEPOO, for a term to expire 06-30-2017; and
G.M. No. 515	NIKKI KEPOO, for a term to expire 06-30-2021,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Nikki Kepoo to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated for the appointment and reappointment to the Disability and Communication Access Board.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment and reappointment of Nikki Kepoo from the Disability and Communication Access Board; Great Destinations, Inc.; HRE Technologies LLC; and three individuals.

     Ms. Kepoo is currently the office manager at HRG Technologies LLC/Hokukahu LLC and has over twenty years of administrative management experience.  Your Committee received testimony indicating that Ms. Kepoo demonstrates natural leadership qualities, excellent communication skills, and a positive outlook on life.  As the mother of a deaf son, Ms. Kepoo is well-aware of the issues affecting the deaf community, such as access to government facilities and services within the community.  Ms. Kepoo is a committed activist for deaf children, advocating for the Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids initiative and serving as a member of the Department of Health's Early Language Working Group, the School Community Counsel at the Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind, and the Hawaii Newborn Hearing Screening Board.  Ms. Kepoo is also a strong advocate for Hawaiian language schools.  In her personal statement, Ms. Kepoo indicated that she hopes to provide practical insight into life challenges that arise for families with a deaf child as well as support state agencies in adapting to provide access to all individuals.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Kepoo's experiences advocating for issues that affect access by the deaf community, as well as her demonstrated commitment to public service, will be great assets to the Board.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health 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 Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health,

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair