STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3790

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 852, 853, 854

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 852, 853, and 854, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

State Council on Developmental Disabilities

 

G.M. No. 852

DEBORAH KOBAYAKAWA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023;

 

G.M. No. 853

RENEE MANFREDI,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024; and

 

G.M. No. 854

ROBERT WHITAKER,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Deborah Kobayakawa, Renee Manfredi, and Robert Whitaker for service on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

 

DEBORAH KOBAYAKAWA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Deborah Kobayakawa from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and two individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the appointment of Deborah Kobayakawa from one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Kobayakawa's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Kobayakawa is currently a Group Facilitator for Ho‘omana Parent Support Group and Owner and Operator of Heart to Heart Parent Consulting and has worked as a special education teacher for eleven years.  Ms. Kobayakawa is also highly active in the community as an active and engaged volunteer for the disability community.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Kobayakawa has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members and her extensive experience in advocating for people with disabilities, as well as her professional experience in the public education system, will enhance the effectiveness of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Kobayakawa be appointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

RENEE MANFREDI

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Renee Manfredi from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and five individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Manfredi's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be reappointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Manfredi is a trainer for Feeling Safe Being Safe, providing information to people with developmental disabilities on how to be prepared for an emergency or disaster.  Ms. Manfredi previously served as a member of the Council and has extensive leadership experience as President of the Hawaii Self-Advocacy Advisory Council and Board Member of Special Olympics Hawaii.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Manfredi has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members and her extensive experience as an advocate for people with disabilities will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Manfredi be reappointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

ROBERT "JACK" WHITAKER

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Robert "Jack" Whitaker from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and two individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Whitaker's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Whitaker has an extensive employment history, including working as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army in Kapolei and general laborer at various businesses in Oxford, Mississippi.  His appointment to the Council would fulfill the federal requirement for representatives of individuals with developmental disabilities.  Mr. Whitaker is also highly active in the community, participating in Special Olympics and volunteering at local hospitals and nursing homes.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Whitaker has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members and his extensive work experience will enhance the effectiveness of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Whitaker be appointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

 

     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