STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3508

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 613

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, and 613, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

State Council on Developmental Disabilities

 

G.M. No. 604

MICHELLE ARAKAWA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2026;

 

G.M. No. 605

KIRIKO TAKAHASHI,

for a term to expire 06-30-2026;

 

G.M. No. 606

JANE PREECE,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025;

 

G.M. No. 607

KEVIN BARDSLEY-MARCIAL,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022;

 

G.M. No. 608

KEVIN BARDSLEY-MARCIAL,

for a term to expire 06-30-2026;

 

G.M. No. 609

HO‘OPI‘OOKALANI BALAZ,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024;

 

G.M. No. 610

SHANA METSCH,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025;

 

 

G.M. No. 611

HOWARD GREENBERG,

for a term to expire 06-30-2026;

 

G.M. No. 612

REINALYN TERRADO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022; and

 

G.M. No. 613

REINALYN TERRADO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2026,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Michelle Arakawa, Kiriko Takahashi, Jane Preece, Kevin Bardsley-Marcial, Ho‘opi‘ookalani Balaz, Shana Metsch, Howard Greenberg, and Reinalyn Terrado for service on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

 

MICHELLE ARAKAWA

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Michelle Arakawa from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Arakawa's experience as an educator, commitment to public service, and passion for assisting students with special needs, qualify her for reappointment to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  Ms. Arakawa is currently an Educational Specialist with the Department of Education.  Prior to that, Ms. Arakawa served as Student Services Coordinator, Special Education Department Chair, and a special education teacher, all at Kailua Intermediate School.  Ms. Arakawa earned a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and a Master's of Arts in Education from Chaminade University.

 

     Your Committee further finds that because she represents the Department of Education, Ms. Arakawa's service on State Council on Developmental Disabilities fulfills the requirement pursuant to section 333E-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, that a member be a representative of a state entity that administers funds provided under federal law relating to individuals with disabilities.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Arakawa currently serves on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and therefore is already familiar with its work.

 

     Your Committee therefore recommends that Michelle Arakawa be reappointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities based on her experience in special education and commitment to improving the lives of persons with developmental disabilities.

 

KIRIKO TAKAHASHI

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Kiriko Takahashi from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, University of Hawai‘i Center on Disability Studies, and seven individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Takahashi's experience as an expert on persons with disabilities, commitment to public service, and passion for improving the lives of persons with disabilities, qualify her for reappointment to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  Dr. Takahashi currently serves as the Interim Director of and Associate Specialist at the Center on Disabilities at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, Director of the Pacific Basin University Center for Developmental Disabilities, and Project Associate Professor at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology of the University of Tokyo.  Prior to that, Dr. Takahashi served as an assistant specialist, junior specialist, and product specialist for the Center on Disability Studies.  Furthermore, she has also co-authored numerous articles published in academic journals regarding students with developmental disabilities.  Dr. Takahashi earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Speech and a Master's in Arts in Learning Disabilities from Northwestern University, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa.

 

     Your Committee further finds that Dr. Takahashi's service on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities fulfills the requirement pursuant to section 333E-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, that a member be a representative of the University Centers from Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research, and Service.  Your Committee notes that Dr. Takahashi currently serves on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and therefore is already familiar with its work.

 

     Your Committee therefore recommends that Kiriko Takahashi be reappointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities based on her experience in developmental disabilities research and commitment to improving the lives of persons with developmental disabilities.

 

JANE PREECE

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Jane Preece from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Preece's experience as an attorney for the rights of persons with developmental disabilities, commitment to public service, and passion for improving the lives of persons with developmental disabilities, qualify her for appointment to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  Ms. Preece is currently a staff attorney for the Hawaii Disability Right Center.  Prior to that, Ms. Preece worked at the Hawaii Office of Disciplinary Counsel and maintained a solo family law litigation practice.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Preece has over thirty years of legal experience; has published numerous articles in Family Law News, a publication of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of California; and was named Family Law Attorney of the Year by the Legal Aid Association of California.  Ms. Preece earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

 

     Your Committee further finds that Ms. Preece's service on State Council on Developmental Disabilities fulfills the requirement pursuant to section 333E-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, that a member be a representative of the state protection and advocacy system.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Preece currently serves as an interim member on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and therefore is already familiar with its work.

 

     Your Committee therefore recommends that Jane Preece be appointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities based on her experience in legal advocacy for persons with disabilities and commitment to improving the lives of persons with developmental disabilities.

 

KEVIN BARDSLEY-MARCIAL

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment and reappointment of Kevin Bardsley-Marcial from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Self Advocacy Advisory Council, and one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Bardsley-Marcial's experience as a director for a non-profit organization serving people with developmental disabilities, commitment to public service, and passion for improving the lives of persons with developmental disabilities, qualify him for appointment and reappointment to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  Mr. Bardsley-Marcial is currently the Director of Intellectual Disability Services for Goodwill Industries of Hawai‘i and a consultant for Balanced ABA, an organization that provides applied behavior analysis.  Prior to that, Mr. Bardsley-Marcial served as a consultant for Full Life, a non-profit dedicated to serving those with developmental disabilities, and was the community liaison and held various positions with BAYADA Home Care, a non-profit organization serving individuals with a variety of behavioral health needs.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Bardsley-Marcial has also served on the Hawai‘i Best Buddies Advisory Board, and is a member of the West Honolulu Children's Community Council.  Mr. Bardsley-Marcial earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Psychology from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, and a Master's of Arts in Education from the University of Phoenix.

 

     Your Committee further finds that Mr. Bardsley-Marcial's service on State Council on Developmental Disabilities fulfills the requirement pursuant to section 333E-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, that a member be a representative of a local, non-governmental agency.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Bardsley-Marcial currently serves on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and therefore is already familiar with the its work.

 

     Your Committee therefore recommends that Kevin Bardsley-Marcial be appointed and reappointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities based on his experience in working with non-profit organizations dedicated to individuals with disabilities and commitment to improving the lives of persons with developmental disabilities.

 

HO‘OPI‘OOKALANI BALAZ

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Ho‘opi‘ookalani Balaz from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Self Advocacy Advisory Council, and three individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Balaz's experience as an active member of various organizations serving individuals with developmental disabilities, commitment to public service, and passion for improving the lives of persons with developmental disabilities, qualify him for appointment to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  Mr. Balaz is currently a trainer for Feeling Safe, Being Safe Emergency Preparedness, an initiative designed to help individuals with disabilities be prepared in an emergency.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Balaz has also volunteered for the Alzheimer's Association Walk, Best Buddies Hawaii Friendship Jam, and Special Olympics Hawaii.  He also serves the community by being a Hawaii Self-Advisory Advocacy Council officer, Best Buddies Hawaii board member and ambassador, Toastmasters Hawaii member, Tammy Evrard Counseling member, and participant in the Special Olympics Hawaii.  Mr. Balaz earned a high school diploma from Leilehua High School.

 

     Your Committee further finds that section 333E-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, requires that the State Council on Developmental Disabilities have not less than sixty percent of its membership consist of individuals with developmental disabilities.  Mr. Balaz's appointment helps fulfill this requirement.  Mr. Balaz indicated in his personal statement that his goal for being a representative of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities is to help people with developmental disabilities have a better future in this world.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Balaz currently serves as an interim member of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and therefore is already familiar with its work.

 

     Your Committee therefore recommends that Ho‘opi‘ookalani Balaz be appointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities based on his experience in serving various organizations dedicated to persons with developmental disabilities and commitment to improving the lives of persons with developmental disabilities.

 

SHANA METSCH

 

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

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Metsch's experience as a mother of a child with developmental disabilities, commitment to public service, and passion for improving the lives of persons with developmental disabilities, qualify her for appointment to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  Ms. Metsch has over a decade of experience advocating and participating in community outreach focused on supporting disabled community members.  In her advocacy, Ms. Metsch helps the disabled community evaluate their patient care for effectiveness and works with support networks and the Legislature to assure that disabled community members have the support needed for their Medicaid and health plans.  Ms. Metsch also has extensive knowledge and working experience with the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, and Hawaii Insurance Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

 

     Your Committee further finds that Ms. Metsch's service on State Council on Developmental Disabilities fulfills the requirement pursuant to section 333E-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, that certain members be parents of individuals with developmental disabilities.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Metsch currently serves on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and therefore is already familiar with its work.

 

     Your Committee therefore recommends that Shana Metsch be appointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities based on his experience as a mother of a child with developmental disabilities and commitment to improving the lives of persons with developmental disabilities.

 

HOWARD GREENBERG

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Howard Greenberg from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Greenberg's experience as a father of a child with developmental disabilities, commitment to public service, and passion for improving the lives of persons with developmental disabilities, qualify him for appointment to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  Mr. Greenberg is currently the President of Autism Management Service, Inc., an organization that provides autism related services.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Greenberg is also the founder and President of the Maui Autism Center Foundation, a non-profit organization established to help people with developmental disabilities.  Mr. Greenberg earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Florida State University and a Master's of Education from Arizona State University.

 

     Your Committee further finds that Mr. Greenberg's service on State Council on Developmental Disabilities fulfills the requirement pursuant to section 333E-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, that certain members be parents of individuals with developmental disabilities.

 

     Your Committee therefore recommends that Howard Greenberg be appointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities based on his experience as a father of a child with developmental disabilities and commitment to improving the lives of persons with developmental disabilities.

 

REINALYN TERRADO

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment and reappointment of Reinalyn Terrado from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Terrado's experience as a mother of a child with developmental disabilities, commitment to public service, and passion for improving the lives of persons with developmental disabilities, qualify her for appointment and reappointment to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  Ms. Terrado is currently a parent consultant for the Leadership in Disabilities and Achievement of Hawaii, an organization dedicated to ensuring children with disabilities receive a proper public education.  Prior to that, Ms. Terrado served as an outreach advocate for the Hawaii Disability Rights Center.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Terrado has volunteered with several advocacy organizations, including the Hawaii Early Intervention Coordinating Council and the special needs ministry of One Love Ministries, and is a published author.  Ms. Terrado earned a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and a Master's of Divinity and Arts from Pacific Rim Christian University.

 

     Your Committee further finds that Ms. Terrado's service on State Council on Developmental Disabilities fulfills the requirement pursuant to section 333E-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, that certain members be parents of individuals with developmental disabilities.

 

     Your Committee therefore recommends that Reinalyn Terrado be appointed and reappointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities based on her experience as a mother of a child with developmental disabilities and commitment to improving the lives of persons with developmental disabilities.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on 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 Health,

 

 

 

____________________________

JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair