STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1332

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 612, 613, 615

 

 

 

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 612, 613, and 615, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

State Council on Developmental Disabilities

 

G.M. No. 612

JOE D. CORDOVA,

for a term to expire 6-30-2015;

 

G.M. No. 613

BERNADETTE L. KELIIAA,

for a term to expire 6-30-2015; and

 

G.M. No. 615

ROSELANI M. ROWE,

for a term to expire 6-30-2015,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Joe D. Cordova, Bernadette L. Keliiaa, and Roselani M. Rowe to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

 

     The State Council on Developmental Disabilities' federal mandate, Public Law 106-402, determines the composition of the Council to ensure that all the stakeholders involved in the development, implementation, and use of developmental disability supports are represented.  The law specifically requires that sixty percent of the membership of the Council be comprised of individuals with a developmental disability, their parents, or family members.  Additionally, the following agencies are required to be on the Council:  Department of Health; the agencies that administer funds provided under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Older Americans Act of 1965, Titles V and XIX of the Social Security Act; the Protection and Advocacy Agency; the Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disability Education, Research, and Service; and agencies and private non-profit organizations concerned with services to individuals with developmental disabilities.  Your Committee finds that the nominees meet the federal requirements for Council membership.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Joe D. Cordova from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hoopono Services for the Blind, and two individuals.

 

     Mr. Cordova earned his Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling from the University of New Mexico and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from New Mexico State University.  Mr. Cordova has extensive work experience in the disability field.  He is currently the Administrator of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Blind Division of the Hawaii Department of Human Services.  His past work experience includes serving as a Regional Commissioner for Region V (Kansas City) and VII (Chicago), and the Director of the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Rehabilitation Services Administration, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, United States Department of Education; Deputy Director, New Mexico Commission for the Blind; and Special Advisor to the Mayor of the City of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Liaison for Disability Affairs.  Mr. Cordova is also a current member of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

 

     Testimony received by your Committee indicates that Mr. Cordova consistently demonstrates his commitment to obtaining high quality employment outcomes, economic independence, and social integration for individuals with disabilities.  He is a passionate advocate and is dedicated to creating opportunities for persons with disabilities so they can achieve their full potential.

 

     Mr. Cordova indicated from his personal statement that he believes his role and responsibility as a member of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities will be to assist in guiding the development of state goals for serving individuals with developmental disabilities and assist the Council in advising the Governor, Legislature, and other governmental agencies regarding improvements to the coordination and delivery of services to individuals with developmental disabilities.  Mr. Cordova indicated that he is committed to serving to the best of his ability on the Council, and he hopes to fairly represent the interests of Hawaii citizens with developmental disabilities.

 

     Your Committee finds that Mr. Cordova's reappointment would fulfill the federal requirement of having a representative from the agency that administers funds under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  Your Committee also finds that Mr. Cordova's extensive work experience and current position as Administrator of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation will be of great benefit to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Bernadette L. Keliiaa from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and two individuals.

 

     Ms. Keliiaa is currently a member of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  For the past several years, she has served as Co-Chair for the Council's Community Supports Committee.  She has also been an instrumental member of the Department of Health's Developmental Disabilities Division Quality Assurance Subcommittee.  Ms. Keliiaa graduated from the Council-sponsored Partners in Policymaking Leadership Academy, a program that provides education and training in current disability issues, information on best practices, and legislative and systems advocacy.

 

     Testimony received by your Committee indicates that Ms. Keliiaa has a strong commitment to those with developmental disabilities.  She has great determination and compassion, and is passionate about improving services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

 

     Ms. Keliiaa is the parent of a child with a developmental disability.  According to her personal statement, Ms. Keliiaa's son is at the top of her list of qualifications, as well as her primary motivation to continue serving on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

 

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Keliiaa's reappointment would fulfill the federal requirement of having parents of individuals with disabilities represented on the Council.  Your Committee also finds that Ms. Keliiaa's prior experience with the Council, her personal experience as a parent of a child with a developmental disability, her enthusiasm, and her dedication will continue to make her a valuable asset to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Roselani M. Rowe from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Learning Disabilities Association of Hawaii, and two individuals.

 

     Ms. Rowe is currently a member of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  She served as Council Chair for two years and is a member of the Council's Employment and Education Committee.  This committee addresses employment issues of individuals with developmental disabilities and the transition of individuals from high school to post-secondary education and employment.  She also serves as the Education and Training Coordinator for the Learning Disabilities Association of Hawaii.  Her current position allows her to design curriculum for educational advocacy and training support for families of children with disabilities.

 

     Testimony received by your Committee indicates that Ms. Rowe's energy, passion, and dedication ensure that students with disabilities are able to reach their potential and are contributing and productive adults.  Her positive attitude has inspired families of children with disabilities to be proactive in their pursuit of creating successful outcomes.

 

     Ms. Rowe is the sister of a family member with a developmental disability and a parent of a child with a disability.  Ms. Rowe expressed through her personal statement that she desires to continue serving on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities because she would like to actively contribute her perspective as a family member of an individual with a disability, and in the process, impact Hawaii's delivery of service and the needs of families who spend countless hours seeking assistance.

 

     Your Committee finds that Ms. Rowe's reappointment would fulfill the federal requirement of a family member of an individual with a developmental disability represented on the Council.  Your Committee also recognizes Ms. Rowe's current successful service on the Council and believes that she will continue to have much to offer in the future.

 

     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