STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1782

                                   Honolulu, Hawaii
                                                     , 1999

                                   RE:  GOV. MSG. NO. 321
                                        




Honorable Norman Mizuguchi
President of the Senate
Twentieth State Legislature
Regular Session of 1999
State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Water, Land, and Hawaiian Affairs to which
was referred Governor's Message No. 321, submitting for study and
consideration the nominations of:

COMMISSION ON WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

     G.M. No. 321       BRIAN C. NISHIDA and HERBERT M. RICHARDS,
                        JR., for terms to expire June 30, 2003, 

begs leave to report as follows:

     Upon review of the statements submitted by the nominees,
your Committee finds that the aforementioned nominees are
volunteers, willing to serve without compensation, who will work
with compassion and commitment to assist in administering the
functions of the Commission on Water Resource Management
(Commission).  Your Committee further finds that the nominees
have been appointed based upon their professional credentials,
integrity, and a desire to make Hawaii better through their
participation on the Commission.

     Your Committee specifically notes the following:

     Brian C. Nishida is the Vice President and General Manager
of Del Monte Fresh Produce (Hawaii), Inc.  He has a Masters in
Business Administration from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
He is President of the Pineapple Growers Association of Hawaii, a
member of the Economic Development Committee of the Japanese
Chamber of Commerce, a supporter of the Service Quality
Excellence Program, and a member of the Japanese Cultural Center.

 
a                                                     GM321
                                   STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1782
                                   Page 2


Mr. Nishida is required to consider and manage water resource
issues for Del Monte's pineapple growing concern on the island of
Oahu.

     Testimony in support of the nominee was received from the
Senator representing the 19th District, the Wahiawa Community and
Business Association, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, the
Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce, twelve businesses, and an
individual.

     Herbert M. Richards, Jr., is currently the President and
Chairman of the Board of Kahua Ranch, where he has been employed
since 1953.  He currently serves with distinction on the
Commission.  Mr. Richards graduated from California State
Polytechnic College with a Bachelor's of Degree in Animal
Science.  He is active in many community organizations including
the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board, the Hawi
Agriculture and Energy, and the Rural Economic Transition
Assistance - Hawaii.

     Testimony in support of the nominee was received from the
Hawaii Leeward Planning Conference, the Maryl Group, the Waimea
Water Services, Inc., Parker Ranch, the Palani Ranch Company,
Inc., and three individuals.

     Testimony supporting both the nominees was received from the
Chairperson of the Commission on Water Resource Management, the
Chairperson of the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm
Bureau, the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board, and
Hawaiian Host, Inc.

     Your Committee diligently questioned the nominees who
appeared before the Committee about their role on the Commission,
the relevance of their previous experience, and the goals they
wish to accomplish during their term on the Commission.  Your
Committee believes that the nominees adequately responded to the
Committee's inquiries.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your
Committee on Water, Land, and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached
to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the
background, character, 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.


 
a                                                     GM321
 
                                   STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1782
                                   Page 3


                                   Respectfully submitted on
                                   behalf of the members of the
                                   Committee on Water, Land, and
                                   Hawaiian Affairs,



                                   ______________________________
                                   COLLEEN HANABUSA, Chair

 
a                                                     GM321