STAND. COM. REP. NO. 4013

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 700, 821

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. 700 and 821, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

State Council on Developmental Disabilities

G.M. No. 700	ALANA SOUZA, for a term to expire 06-30-2023; and
G.M. No. 821	MARK VIERRA, 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 Alana Souza and Mark Vierra for service on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

ALANA SOUZA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Alana Souza from the Department of Human Services, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Souza's experience in working with the Department of Human Services Med-QUEST Division, commitment to public service, and dedication to improving the health and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities, qualify her for appointment to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities. Ms. Souza is currently employed at the Department of Human Services in the Med-QUEST Division. Ms. Souza's past positions in the Department of Health, Developmental Disabilities Division, and her current position with the Med-QUEST Division provide her with a unique ability and valuable insight to listen and understand the issues and concerns people with developmental disabilities may have when receiving health care services through the QUEST Integration program. Furthermore, Ms. Souza's appointment will help ensure the continuation of the strong relationship of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities with the Department of Human Services. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Souza's service on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities fulfills the requirement of section 333E-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, that a member be a representative of state entities that administer funds provided under federal law relating to individuals with disabilities, including Title XIX of the Social Security Act, relating to Medicaid. Your Committee therefore recommends that Alana Souza be appointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities based on her experience working in the Department of Human Services Med-QUEST Division and commitment to improving the health and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities.

MARK VIERRA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Mark Vierra from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Vierra's experience as a parent of a child with a developmental disability, commitment to public service, and dedication to improving the health and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities, qualify him for appointment to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities. Mr. Vierra has extensive experience in helping his daughter, who has a developmental disability, receive the best care available. His daughter's experience receiving services from the Developmental Disabilities Division gives him a valuable perspective that will be an asset to the Council. He is well-suited to represent the perspective of a parent and neighbor island resident which will add to pertinent discussions surround developmental disabilities. Your Committee further finds that section 333E-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, requires that not less than sixty percent of the membership of the council shall consist of individuals who are individuals with developmental disabilities or their parents. Mr. Vierra's service on State Council on Developmental Disabilities is consistent with this requirement. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mark Vierra be appointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities based on his experience as a parent of a child with a developmental disability and commitment to improving the health and well-being of individuals 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