STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1505

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 628

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 628, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

State Rehabilitation Council

G.M. No. 628

TIRA KAMAKA, for a term to expire 06-30-2027,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Tira Kamaka for service on the State Rehabilitation Council.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Tira Kamaka from the Department of Human Services and The Arc of Kona.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Kamaka's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council as a representative of community rehabilitation program service providers and a member from the County of Hawaii. Your Committee notes that Ms. Kamaka is currently the Vice President of Program Services for The Arc of Kona, a nonprofit organization serving persons with disabilities. In her current position, Ms. Kamaka is responsible for the overall professional operations and delivery of Medicaid Waiver Home- and Community-Based service provision at all The Arc of Kona locations on the island of Hawaii. Previously, Ms. Kamaka was the Director of Program Services at Arc of Kona, where she provided leadership and supervision to the Program Services Team and assisted with a diverse range of support, operational, and programmatic activities for the organization. Your Committee finds that Ms. Kamaka has previously served as a member of the State Rehabilitation Council from 2021 to 2024, and therefore has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of its members and her extensive experience in administering programs for individuals with a disability will enhance the effectiveness of the State Rehabilitation Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Tira Kamaka be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,

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JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair