STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3821

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 573

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 573, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Statewide Elections Accessibility Needs Advisory Committee

G.M. No. 573

LOU ANN BLAKE for a term to expire 06-30-2029,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Lou Ann Blake for service on the Statewide Elections Accessibility Needs Advisory Committee.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Lou Ann Blake from eight individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Blake's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Statewide Elections Accessibility Needs Advisory Committee as a member. Your Committee notes that Ms. Blake has worked at the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) since 2005, and currently works as a Program Manager. As a Program Manager, Ms. Blake conducts outreach presentations about NFB Newsline to the State's residents with print disabilities, rehabilitation service providers, and educators of students with print disabilities. She also performs administrative duties including data collection and report preparation. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Blake is an active member in her community, and volunteers with the Mobile Voting Project and Illinois Coalition for Accessible Voting. Your Committee finds that Ms. Blake has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in election accessibility will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Statewide Elections Accessibility Needs Advisory Committee. Your Committee therefore recommends that Lou Ann Blake be appointed to the Statewide Elections Accessibility Needs Advisory Committee based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary 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 Judiciary,

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KARL RHOADS, Chair