GM 639: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Disability and Communication Access Board, Gubernatorial Nominee, DAYNE GREENE, for a term to expire 06-30-2028.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1499

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 639

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 639, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Disability and Communication Access Board

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Dayne Greene for service on the Disability and Communication Access Board.

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

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Greene'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 disability and who is a resident of Kauai County.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Greene has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor since 2006 and is currently a small business owner.  Mr. Greene has worked as a counselor and advocate for many years, including as a domestic violence therapist at YWCA Kauai, specializing in intimate partner, family, and community violence; mental health counselor in private practice where he assisted individual and family clients with challenges related to family, work, addiction, self-esteem, communication, and anger management; and school counselor for the Department of Education, designing curriculum for assertiveness and self-esteem and anger management groups.  Mr. Greene became a paraplegic in 1995, and through his use of a wheelchair, gained first-hand knowledge on the importance of various facilities providing public access in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled individuals to thrive and continue to live productively.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Greene has been serving on the Disability and Communications Access Board as an interim member, and therefore, has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of its members.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Greene's extensive experience in therapy and counseling and experience as an individual with a disability will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Dayne Greene be appointed to the Disability and Communication Access Board based on his knowledge, background, and dedication 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,