DD Council Website -- About Us

What is the DD Council?
The Hawai'i State Council on Developmental Disabilities is mandated by federal (P.L. 106-402) and state (Chapter 333E, Hawaii Revised Statutes) laws to: plan, coordinate, evaluate, monitor, and advocate on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities; and assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to culturally competent services, supports, and other assistance and opportunities that promote independence, productivity, and integration, and inclusion into the community.

The Council consists of approximately 30 persons who are appointed by the Governor. At least 60% of the members are persons with disabilities or family members of persons with disabilities. Also represented on the Council are service providers, the community, and state service agencies.

The Council is administratively attached to the Department of Health under HTH 905 - Policy Development and Advocacy for Developmental Disabilities.

What is the Council's Mission?
The mission of the Council is to support people with developmental disabilities to control their own destiny and determine the quality of life they desire.

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What is the Council's Vision?
People with developmental disabilities are treated equally and enjoy fundamental human rights, among them life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They have choices about where they live, work, and play, and they receive the supports they need to do so.

To this end, the Council will:

work for self-determination;
advocate for systems change
provide information, education, planning
serve as conscience/monitor of the State; and
promote best practices.

Analysis and policy development regarding issues pertaining to systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Legislative advocacy, training on the legislative process, and leadership development.
As funds become available, grants on a time-limited basis for demonstrating new approaches or providing training or advocacy that will enhance the independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion into the community of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Coordination and support for community activities that supports the Council's mission.
A resource library with articles, books, research studies and videos that may be borrowed free of charge.

Joe Shacter
Planner

Debbie Miyasaka-Gushiken
Community and Legislative Liaison

Susan Kawano
Secretary

Rachel Gonsalves
Clerk Typist

El Doi
Program Specialist - Kaua'i

Howard Marks
Program Specialist - Big Island

Mary Matsukawa
Program Specialist - Maui County

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Who are the Council Members?

Margaret Baxter
Family Member, O‘ahu

Joan Bellard
Family Member, Maui

William Burwell
Self-Advocate, Kaua‘i

Oralie Delgado Carter
Private Agency

Ann Collins
Hawai‘i Disability Rights Center

Dr. David Fray
Dept. of Health, Developmental Disabilities Division

Naomi Grossman
Family Member, O‘ahu

Martha Guinan
Family Member, O‘ahu

Dr. Patricia Heu
Dept. of Health, Children with Special Health Needs Branch

Paul Higa
Dept. of Human Services, MedQUEST Division

Liz Ann Ihu
Family Member, Kaua‘i

Dr. Jean Johnson
University of Hawai‘i, Center on Disability Studies

Charlotte Kamauoha
Family Member, O‘ahu

Bernadette Keliiaa
Family Member, O‘ahu

Jean Kiyabu
Dept. of Education, Special Education

Elvira Lee
Executive Office on Aging

Makia Malo
Self-Advocate, O‘ahu/Kalaupapa

Evan Murakami
Self-Advocate, O‘ahu

Sheryl Nelson
Self-Advocate, O‘ahu

Dr. Patricia Nishimoto
Private Agency

John Noland
Dept. of Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Deborah Rivers
Self-Advocate, O‘ahu

Mark Romoser
Self-Advocate, O‘ahu

Michael Tada
Self-Advocate, O‘ahu

Charlene Tarr
Family Member, O‘ahu

J. Curtis Tyler III
Family Member, Big Island

Paul Vargas
Self-Advocate, Maui

Betsy Whitney
Self-Advocate, Big Island