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GM 630

Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the State Rehabilitation Council, Gubernatorial Nominee, EVAN NAKATSUKA, for a term to expire 06-30-2027.

2025 Regular Session

Senate confirms Evan Nakatsuka as a State Rehabilitation Council member through 6/30/2027, ensuring ongoing governance of Hawaii's vocational rehabilitation and disability services.

Confirmed. Ayes, 23. Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 2 (Senator(s) DeCorte, Ihara).
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Bill Summary · GM 630

Summary of GM 630 — Confirmation of Gubernatorial Nominee to the State Rehabilitation Council

What the bill does

  • GM 630 is a proclamation-style measure submitted for the Hawaii State Senate’s consideration to confirm Evan Nakatsuka as a gubernatorial nominee to the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) for a term expiring June 30, 2027.
  • The action is a standard confirmation of a governor-appointed member to a state advisory body. It does not propose changes to statutory text but facilitates the appointment process and completes governance for the SRC.

Nominee and term

  • Nominee: Evan Nakatsuka
  • Position: Member, State Rehabilitation Council
  • Term expiration: June 30, 2027
  • Basis: Governor Josh Green, M.D., certified the nomination in a formal executive proclamation dated January 15, 2025, submitted to the Senate on January 23, 2025.

Confirmation history and timeline

  • January 23, 2025: Bill referred to the Senate’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee.
  • February 25, 2025: HHS scheduled a public hearing for February 28, 2025.
  • February 28, 2025: HHS hearing conducted; committee recommended Advise and Consent to the nomination.
    • HHS vote: 4 in favor (Senators San Buenaventura, Aquino, Hashimoto, Keohokalole); 0 against; 1 excused (Senator Fevella).
  • April 1–2, 2025: Senate actions include reporting from HHS with a recommendation to Advise and Consent; subsequent confirmation moved forward.
  • April 2, 2025: Senate confirmed the nominee:
    • Ayes: 23
    • Noes: 0
    • Excused: 2 (Senators DeCorte, Ihara)

Context and potential impact

  • Purpose and function: The SRC is an advisory body related to vocational rehabilitation and disability services within Hawaii. By confirming Nakatsuka, the Senate completes a formal appointment to the council, enabling continuous governance and oversight of rehabilitation programs and related services.
  • Stakeholders potentially affected:
    • Individuals with disabilities who rely on state rehabilitation services.
    • Vocational rehabilitation providers, employers, and community partners collaborating with the SRC.
    • State agencies overseeing disability services and workforce development.
  • Procedural significance: This action follows the standard executive-to-legislative confirmation process, including committee consideration, public hearings, and final Senate approval. The term length aligns with the council’s appointment cycles and ensures continuity in policy guidance for rehabilitation programs.

Quick reference details

  • Bill number: GM 630
  • Title: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the State Rehabilitation Council, Gubernatorial Nominee, Evan Nakatsuka, for a term to expire 06-30-2027
  • Classification: Proclamation
  • Status: Confirmed by the Hawaii Senate (Ayes 23, Noes 0, Excused 2)
  • Introduced: January 23, 2025
  • Key dates: Public hearing Feb 28, 2025; Confirmation Apr 2, 2025

If you’d like, I can provide a brief profile of the State Rehabilitation Council’s role in Hawaii or compare this nomination process to similar confirmations in other states.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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