STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3747

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 578, 579, 580, 581

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2018

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 578, 579, 580, and 581, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

State Council on Developmental Disabilities

G.M. No. 578	MAUREEN BATES, for a term to expire 06-30-2019;
G.M. No. 579	PHILIP ANA, for a term to expire 06-30-2021;
G.M. No. 580	MICHELLE MURALT, for a term to expire 06-30-2020; and
G.M. No. 581	SHANA METSCH, for a term to expire 06-30-2021,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Maureen Bates, Philip Ana, Michelle Muralt, and Shana Metsch for service on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

MAUREEN BATES

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Maureen Bates from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Department of Human Services, Goodwill Industries of Hawaii, and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Bates' knowledge, experience, and expertise qualify her for appointment to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities as a representative of a state agency that administers funds provided under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Your Committee notes that Ms. Bates currently serves as the Administrator of the Department of Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Ms. Bates' experience will help the Council achieve its goal of providing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with increased access to and opportunities for the education, training, and support services needed to succeed in the labor market. Your Committee also notes that Ms. Bates has been a certified Rehabilitation Counselor since 2001 and is familiar with best practices for vocational rehabilitation. Ms. Bates is also personally familiar with the challenges facing developmentally disabled persons as her sibling has an intellectual disability.

PHILIP ANA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Philip Ana from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Department of Health Executive Office on Aging, and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Ana's knowledge, experience, and expertise qualify him for appointment to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities as a representative of a state agency that administers funds provided under the Older Americans Act of 1965. Mr. Ana is currently employed as the Long-Term Disability Specialist for the Executive Office on Aging and will foster cooperation between the Council and the Executive Office on Aging and associated non-state actors and networks. Your Committee notes that Mr. Ana has spent the last thirty-one years as an advocate for Hawaii individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities and has demonstrated his desire to contribute to the community through his membership on the Advisory Committee for the No Wrong Door project, which aims to develop a network of agencies supporting individuals with long term service and support needs, including individuals who are elderly or disabled, to remain independent and lend meaningful lives.

MICHELLE MURALT

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Michelle Muralt from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Disability and Communication Access Board, and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Muralt's personal experience, strong commitment to the community, and history of public service qualify her for appointment to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities as an individual with a developmental disability. Ms. Muralt currently serves as the Event Chair of the Hawaii Self-Advocacy Advisory Council, which duties she discharges with articulation and enthusiasm. Ms. Muralt is an active community member and has volunteered at events for the State Council on Developmental Disabilities. As an individual with a developmental disability, Ms. Muralt views herself as the voice of other persons with developmental disabilities and seeks to represent her community and reduce bullying. Ms. Muralt also has experience with public engagement, previously serving as a contractor to assist at the Waianae Emergency Management Preparedness Fair at the Feeling Safe, Being Safe booth, explaining the program to members of the public.

SHANA METSCH

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Shana Metsch from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and five individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Metsch's personal experience, strong commitment to the community, and history of public service qualify her for appointment to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities as the parent of an individual with a developmental disability. Ms. Metsch has a record of public service and is an active member of the Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii. Ms. Metsch's experience as a parent and familiarity with legal and social developments and existing bureaucracy related to disabilities and health care will help the Council address its goals relating to the provision of standardized screening, services, and supports to parents and family members of children at risk for developmental delays or with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Your Committee finds that Ms. Metsch already serves as an unofficial resource to other members of the community on Kauai, and that her service on the Council will allow her to share her knowledge with a wider audience.

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

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair