STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3943

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 530, 700

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. 530 and 700, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Disability and Communication Access Board

G.M. No. 530	JUDY PAIK for a term to expire 06-30-2029; and
G.M. No. 700	ED CHEVY for a term to expire 06-30-2030,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Judy Paik and Ed Chevy for service on the Disability and Communication Access Board.

JUDY PAIK

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

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Paik's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Disability and Communication Access Board as a member with a visual disability. Your Committee notes that Ms. Paik has extensive experience supporting the disability community and has served as a Disability Program Specialist with the Executive Office on Aging, providing technical assistance to the Aging & Disability Resource Center. Previously, Ms. Paik was a Program Specialist in the Program and Policy Development Unit at the Disability and Communication Access Board, where she interpreted and applied civil rights laws in advising the public or government entities on compliance issues. Your Committee further notes that as a person with a disability, Ms. Paik has firsthand experience and insight into the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and familiarity with shortcomings in the delivery of disability services. Your Committee finds that Ms. Paik has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience working with the disabled community will enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Judy Paik be appointed to the Disability and Communication Access Board based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

ED CHEVY

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

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Chevy's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Disability and Communication Access Board as a member with a hearing disability. Your Committee notes that Mr. Chevy has been an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter, Educator, and Mentor since 1991 and currently works as an ASL Teacher at the Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind. At the same time, Mr. Chevy is an active ASL mentor and teacher at Kapiolani Community College, teaching ASL music and storytelling courses while also developing learning plans with students to improve their ASL proficiencies. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Chevy is an active member in his community and has been a keynote speaker and lecturer at numerous events, sharing his unique knowledge and experience as a person with a hearing disability. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Chevy previously served on the Disability Communication Access Board and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members and his experience and knowledge will enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Ed Chevy be appointed to the Disability and Communication Access Board based on his experience, knowledge, 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,

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JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair