STAND. COM. REP. NO. 4000

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 710

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 No. 710, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

State Council on Developmental Disabilities

G.M. No. 710

KAREN GLASSER for a term to expire 06-30-2030,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Karen Glasser for service on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Karen Glasser from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Glasser's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be reappointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities as a member who is a representative of a private nonprofit group concerned with services for individuals with developmental disabilities in the State. Your Committee notes that Ms. Glasser has been serving disability communities since 2013 and currently works as a program manager for Early Intervention at the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii, where she maintains program compliance with applicable state, federal, and United Cerebral Palsy requirements, ensuring program accountability in meeting early intervention standards and creating and implementing corrective action plans as needed. Previously, Ms. Glasser served over a decade for Best Buddies Hawaii and Best Buddies Virginia & DC, which are state-level programs of Best Buddies International, a nonprofit organization that offers one-to-one friendship and leadership development programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. During her time with Best Buddies, Ms. Glasser served as the State Director and Director of Operations and Programs, where she directly supervised programs and staff, oversaw and managed fundraising efforts, and cultivated diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives statewide. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Glasser has been serving on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities since 2025, and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of council members. Your Committee finds that Ms. Glasser's experience and knowledge will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Karen Glasser be reappointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,

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JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair