STAND. COM. REP. NO. 743

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 557, 558

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 557 and 558, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

State Rehabilitation Council

G.M. No. 557	CATHERINE TAYLOR, for a term to expire 06-30-2022; and
G.M. No. 558	VICTORIA KENNEDY, for a term to expire 06-30-2023,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes,

and statements submitted by Catherine Taylor and Victoria Kennedy for service on the State Rehabilitation Council.

CATHERINE TAYLOR

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Dr. Catherine Taylor from the Department of Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Taylor's experience, commitment to public service, and proven leadership qualify her for appointment to the State Rehabilitation Council.

Your Committee finds that Dr. Taylor's background in education and disability advocacy, desire to contribute to the community, and interest in serving the public qualify her for appointment to the State Rehabilitation Council, where she will be a representative for the disability groups representing a cross section of individuals with physical, cognitive, sensory, and mental disabilities and also satisfy the requirement of having a member from Maui. Your Committee finds that Dr. Taylor has been a licensed mental health counselor and behavioral specialist since 2008. Your Committee also notes that Dr. Taylor's education credentials include a Doctorate in Education, specializing in exceptionalities, and a Master of Science degree in rehabilitation counseling. For more than fifteen years, Dr. Taylor has dedicated her career to advancing the needs of individuals with disabilities or special needs.

Your Committee further finds that Dr. Taylor's commitment to championing those with disabilities or other special needs is laudable. From her work as a behavioral health specialist, focusing on children with autism and traumatic brain injuries, to her leadership as a counselor for disability services at the University of Hawaii, Maui College, to her current position as a special education and science teacher at the Iao School and Maui High School, Dr. Taylor continues to demonstrate her commitment to service in this area. Importantly, your Committee notes that Dr. Taylor has extensive knowledge and understanding of working with individuals with disabilities and supporting their educational needs as they transition to employment and post-secondary education. Dr. Taylor has worked closely with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation counselors in facilitating the transition of individuals with disabilities into the workforce and into vocational and college programs, a need that has been underscored during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

VICTORIA KENNEDY

Your Committee received testimony in support of Ms. Kennedy's nomination from the Department of Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation; University of Hawai‘i at Manoa; and Hawaii Fi-Do Service Dogs.

Your Committee finds that Ms. Kennedy's background in education and disability advocacy, desire to contribute to the community, and interest in serving the public qualify her for appointment to the State Rehabilitation Council. Ms. Kennedy has dedicated more than thirty years to advocacy for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Specifically, Ms. Kennedy has spent a significant portion of her career to developing programs that focus on guide dogs for the blind. She continues to give presentations about guide dogs to service organizations and schools. Ms. Kennedy also trains blind individuals on assistive aides such as iPhones and the Victor Reader Stream, a handheld digital media player that provides an opportunity for blind and visually impaired persons to listen to books, newspapers, music, and internet radio stations.

Your Committee further finds that serving on the Council will provide another hands-on opportunity for Ms. Kennedy to continue to advocate for people who need more-accessible media to participate in everyday government activities, which sighted people take for granted. Your Committee also finds Ms. Kennedy's first-hand experiences with blindness, educating the public on individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and her work for the legitimacy of service animals, equips her with the type of knowledge and leadership that will make her an asset as a member of the State Rehabilitation Council. Finally, your Committee notes that Ms. Kennedy's visual impairment disability, satisfies the requirement of section 348-8(a), Hawaii Revise Statutes, that "a majority of the council members shall be persons who have disabilities and are not employed by the vocational rehabilitation division of the department."

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,

____________________________

JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair