STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3485

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 715, 716, 717, 718, 719, 720, 721, 722, 723, 724

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 715, 716, 717, 718, 719, 720, 721, 722, 723, and 724, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

State Rehabilitation Council

 

G.M. No. 715

ANN LEMKE,

for a term to expire 06-30-2019;

 

G.M. No. 716

HOWARD LESSER,

for a term to expire 06-30-2016;

 

G.M. No. 717

HOWARD LESSER,

for a term to expire 06-30-2019;

 

G.M. No. 718

JODI ASATO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2019;

 

G.M. No. 719

JOHN KUWAYE,

for a term to expire 06-30-2016;

 

G.M. No. 720

JOHN KUWAYE,

for a term to expire 06-30-2019;

 

G.M. No. 721

SCOTT MURAKAMI,

for a term to expire 06-30-2016;

 

G.M. No. 722

SCOTT MURAKAMI,

for a term to expire 06-30-2019;

 

G.M. No. 723

SHIRLEY SYPERT,

for a term to expire 06-30-2016; and

 

G.M. No. 724

SHIRLEY SYPERT,

for a term to expire 06-30-2019,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

ANN LEMKE

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for reappointment of Ann Lemke from the Department of Human Services.

 

     Upon review of Ms. Lemke's background and personal statement, your Committee finds that Ms. Lemke's professional experience and background qualify her for nomination to the State Rehabilitation Council as a representative from a disability advocacy group and as the representative member of the Statewide Independent Living Council.  Ms. Lemke is a Disability/Admissions Counselor at Windward Community College and currently serves on the State Rehabilitation Council.  She is skilled in planning, implementing, and evaluating disability services and needs of students and has a thorough knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Lemke's experience as a person with a disability, along with her professional credentials and experience, will continue to be of great service to the State Rehabilitation Council.

 

HOWARD LESSER

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for appointment and reappointment of Howard Lesser from the Department of Human Services and Hawaii Disability Rights Center.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Lesser's professional experience and background qualify him for nomination to the State Rehabilitation Council as the representative member of the Client Assistance Program.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Lesser has worked as an advocate for people with diverse and significant disabilities for more than thirty years, and has distinguished himself with his dedication to this field.  Your Committee believes that Mr. Lesser's decades of experience as a Teacher Assistant, Counselor, Director of Rehabilitation, and Case Advocate, among other roles, and experience as a member of the State Rehabilitation Council continue to make Mr. Lesser an invaluable member of the Council.

 

JODI ASATO

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Jodi Asato from the Department of Human Services, Resource Centers of Hawaii, and one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Asato has spent the past fifteen years in the disability field with a focus in assistive technology for people with disabilities of all ages.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Asato's experience with assistive technology gives her insight to the advantages and limitations of these technologies in vocational applications.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Asato has been nominated to the State Rehabilitation Council as a representative of business, industry, and labor based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

 

JOHN KUWAYE

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for appointment and reappointment of John Kuwaye from the Department of Human Services.

 

     Upon review of the testimony and Mr. Kuwaye's resume and statements, your Committee finds that Mr. Kuwaye's professional experience and background qualify him for appointment and reappointment to the State Rehabilitation Council.  In particular, your Committee finds that Mr. Kuwaye has contributed to the community of disabled individuals through his advocacy, notably through his work as Executive Producer of the Ōlelo television program, "Power of Hope".  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Kuwaye has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and has been nominated for appointment and reappointment to the State Rehabilitation Council as a representative of a disability advocacy group as a recipient of vocational rehabilitation services based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

 

SCOTT MURAKAMI

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for appointment and reappointment of Scott Murakami from the Department of Human Services, Ship Repair Association of Hawaii, State of Hawaii Workforce Development Council, and three individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony and Mr. Murakami's resume and statements, your Committee finds that Mr. Murakami's professional experience and background qualify him for nomination to the State Rehabilitation Council representing the State Workforce Development Council.  In particular, your Committee finds that Mr. Murakami's experience in workforce programs and his experience in labor market analytics would be a valuable asset to the State Rehabilitation Council as it advises the Vocational Rehabilitation Division of the Department of Human Services on the effectiveness of and customer satisfaction with services provided by the Division and employment outcomes achieved by eligible individuals receiving services.

 

SHIRLEY SYPERT

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for appointment and reappointment of Shirley Sypert from the Department of Human Services.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination of Shirley Sypert from one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony and Ms. Sypert's statements, your Committee finds that Ms. Sypert's background qualifies her for nomination to the State Rehabilitation Council as a current or former recipient of vocational rehabilitation services.  Your Committee notes that Ms. Sypert has personally overcome physical disabilities and has been a vocal advocate for individuals afflicted with Post-Polio Syndrome.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Sypert is a Producer of an educational children's show and assists with the broadcast of quarterly Citizens for a Fair ADA Ride meetings, and that she is hopeful that she can use her skills as a Producer for the benefit of the State Rehabilitation Council as well.

 

     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,

 

 

 

____________________________

SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair