SSCR3375

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3375

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 543, 544, 545

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 543, 544, and 545, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Disability & Communication Access Board

G.M. No. 543

SCOTT FLEMING,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027;

G.M. No. 544

LISAANN TOM,

for a term to expire 06-30-2027; and

G.M. No. 545

MICHAEL NOJIMA,

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 Scott Fleming, LisaAnn Tom, and Michael Nojima for service on the Disability and Communication Access Board.

SCOTT FLEMING

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Scott Fleming from the Disability and Communication Access Board.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Fleming's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Disability and Communication Access Board as a member with individual knowledge in areas for which the Board has rulemaking authority. Your Committee notes that Mr. Fleming has been an architect for nearly thirty years. During the course of Mr. Fleming's career, he has gained extensive experience with and knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and has spent most of his career designing public facilities to comply with ADA accommodations and requirements. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Fleming is the owner and principal of Fleming & Associates, LLC, an architectural and planning firm on Hawaii Island. Your Committee notes that Mr. Fleming has served previous terms as a member of the Disability and Communication Access Board, including as a member of the Board's Standing Committee on Facility Access, and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Board members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Scott Fleming be appointed to the Disability and Communication Access Board based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

LISAANN TOM

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of LisaAnn Tom from the Disability and Communication Access Board and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Tom's knowledge, background, and desire to serve her community qualify her for appointment to the Disability and Communication Access Board in the capacity of a consumer/person with a disability. Your Committee notes that Ms. Tom is a deaf advocate who actively promotes awareness for relay services to empower the deaf, deafblind, hard-of-hearing, and those with speech disabilities. During the course of Ms. Tom's career, and as a deaf person herself, she has gained broad experience and knowledge about the needs of those with hearing disabilities and has diligently worked to ensure they are able to lead improved lives while promoting awareness for those with disabilities in her community. Your Committee therefore recommends that LisaAnn Tom be appointed to the Disability and Communication Access Board based on her background, experience, and dedication to public service.

MICHAEL NOJIMA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Michael Nojima from the Disability and Communication Access Board

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Nojima's background, experience, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Disability and Communication Access Board as a member with knowledge in areas for which the Board has rulemaking authority. Your Committee notes that Mr. Nojima has been a registered licensed civil engineer in Hawaii for over forty three years. Mr. Nojima is the Principal in charge of Gray, Hong, Nojima & Associates, Inc. and has extensive experience as a civil engineer and project manager in all phases of development. During the course of Mr. Nojima's career, he has gained broad experience and knowledge about public and private sector infrastructure, design, and construction, specifically for persons with disabilities. Your Committee notes Mr. Nojima has previously served as a member of the Disability and Communication Access Board and wishes to again serve as an advocate for persons with disabilities, specifically in the area of facility access. Your Committee therefore recommends that Michael Nojima be appointed to the Disability and Communication Access Board based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

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