STAND. COM. REP. NO. 4003

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 565, 566, 570

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 565, 566, and 570, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

State Rehabilitation Council

G.M. No. 565	PATRICK GARTSIDE for a term to expire 06-30-2028;
G.M. No. 566	JUDITH DANIELS for a term to expire 06-30-2028; and
G.M. No. 570	CHRISTINE PARK for a term to expire 06-30-2028,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Patrick Gartside, Judith Daniels, and Christine Park for service on the State Rehabilitation Council.

PATRICK GARTSIDE

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Patrick Gartside from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation of the Department of Human Services.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Gartside's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the State Rehabilitation Council as a member who is a representative of the Statewide Independent Living Council. During the course of Mr. Gartside's career, he has gained broad experience and knowledge about the intersection of disability services, employer engagement, and workforce development, particularly as these areas relate to vocational rehabilitation and employment outcomes. Your Committee notes that Mr. Gartside has been serving as the Chairperson of the Statewide Independent Living Council since 2022, where he collaboratively developed the State Plan for Independent Living, helping direct $1.5 million of federal funding to independent living programs across the State. He is currently the Executive Director of Access100, a disability-led technology organization he founded in January 2026, focused on job training and disability leadership in the community. Previously, Mr. Gartside served as the Founder and Executive Director of Work Now Hawaii, a nonprofit organization that helps people living with disabilities achieve independence through gainful employment. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Gartside has served as an interim member and Vice Chair of the State Rehabilitation Council since 2025, and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Patrick Gartside be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

JUDITH DANIELS

Your Committee did not receive any testimony on the nomination for the appointment of Judith Daniels.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Daniels' background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council as a member who is a representative of a disability advocacy group. Your Committee notes that Dr. Daniels has been a counselor educator for over three decades working in the areas of school, community, and rehabilitation counseling, advocating for her students, and has been serving as the Director of the Rehabilitation Counselor Education Program and Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) since 2019 and 2008 respectively, which has given her insight into the training, preparation, and professional development of rehabilitation counselors. Previously at UHM, Dr. Daniels was a professor in the Department of Counselor Education from 1990 to 2008. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Daniels is an active member in her profession and has served for nine years on the Governing Council of the American Counseling Association, which has given her extensive experience in board governance, strategic planning, and collaborative work. Your Committee finds that Dr. Daniels has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members and her extensive experience in rehabilitation counseling will enhance the effectiveness of the Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Judith Daniels be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

CHRISTINE PARK

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Christine Park from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation of the Department of Human Services.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Park's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council as a member who is a representative of a disability advocacy group. Your Committee notes that Dr. Park is a licensed mental health counselor with over two decades of experience in mental health counseling, special education, workforce development, and adult education, advocating for her clients and students, and currently works as the Chief Executive Officer and a Mental Health Counselor at Hiki No Counseling, LLC. At the same time, Dr. Park is a Program Coordinator and School Counselor at the Waipahu Community School for Adults for the Department of Education. Previously, Dr. Park served in various roles supporting students with diverse needs and ensured they received the education and services necessary to succeed, including serving as a school-based Behavioral Health Specialist IV for the Department of Education and an instructor for various schools in the University of Hawaii System and in Minnesota, Georgia, and Iowa. Your Committee finds that Dr. Park has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of council members and her extensive experience in education and mental health counseling will enhance the effectiveness of the Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Christine Park be appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council based on her knowledge, background, and dedication 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