STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1974

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 559, 572

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 559 and 572, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

State Council on Developmental Disabilities

G.M. No. 559	JOHN BEEBE, for a term to expire 06-30-2026; and
G.M. No. 572	JAMES LABRIE, for a term to expire 06-30-2027,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by John Beebe and James LaBrie for service on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

JOHN BEEBE

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

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Beebe's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership qualify him for appointment to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities as a member representing parents of individuals with developmental disabilities. Mr. Beebe is a Commander in the United States Coast Guard and has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Celestial Payments since 2012. As demonstrated by an extensive executive management career and the successful founding of Global eTelecom, Inc. (now Sage Group, PLC), Mr. Beebe possesses strong diplomatic and relationship building skills, creativity, and positive energy, which will assist the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to develop and adopt the State Plan for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Further, as a parent of children with disabilities, Mr. Beebe brings personal experience of the needs, resources, and service gaps of public and private agencies that provide services to individuals with disabilities. Your Committee notes that Mr. Beebe has served on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities since 2019 and currently serves as the Council's chair. Therefore, your Committee recommends that John Beebe be appointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities based on his proven leadership, experience, and commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.

JAMES LABRIE

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

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. LaBrie's background, experience, and desire to serve his community qualify him for appointment to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities as a member representing individuals with developmental disabilities. As an individual with personal experience in receiving services from the Department of Health's Developmental Disabilities Services Division and residing in over twenty foster homes, Mr. LaBrie brings critical insight to the development of policies for home and community-based services for residents with disabilities. A dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities, Mr. LaBrie contributes to the state Self-Advocacy Advisory Council to empower other individuals with disabilities to advocate on behalf of themselves. Your Committee further finds that Mr. LaBrie's commitment to caring for and uplifting others extends beyond the disability community through his volunteer work with Kids Hurt Too Hawaii, Reunion Hawaii Church, and Tekniqlingz. Your Committee notes that Mr. LaBrie has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of Council members, and his personal experience advocating for himself and other individuals with disabilities will contribute an important perspective to the Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that James LaBrie be appointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities based on his knowledge, background, and passion for advocating for individuals with disabilities.

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

____________________________

JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair