Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 177, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

begs leave to report as follows:

The Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, Hawaii Agriculture Research Center, Kauai County Farm Bureau, Maui Pineapple Company, Ltd., Pineapple Growers Association of Hawaii, Palani Ranch company, Inc., and Waialua Farmers Cooperative submitted testimony in support of both nominees.

Additional testimony in support of the nomination of Sumner Pardee Erdman was received from the Maui County Farm Bureau. Additional testimony in support of the nomination of Susan Matsushima was received from the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Hawaii Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Hawaii Aquaculture Association, and HPC Foods, Ltd.

Sumner Pardee Erdman has served on the Board of Agriculture since 1997. Mr. Erdman is an experienced rancher and a leader in the ranching industry. He has served as the President of the Hawaii Cattleman's Association and Maui Cattlemen's Association and Director of the Central Maui Soil and Water Conservation District.

Susan Matsushima has served on the Board of Agriculture since 1997. Ms. Matsushima has extensive experience in the nursery business and is active in promoting and supporting Hawaii's agriculture industry. Among her community activities, she initiated programs at several high schools that encourage students to cultivate agricultural products and sell them to raise funds for their organizations. She has also held leadership roles in the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, Commodity Advisory Group, Sustainable Agricultural Network, and Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education.

Upon consideration of the credentials of the nominees and written and oral testimony presented, your Committee finds that the nominees are committed to promoting, supporting, and developing Hawaii's agriculture industry and exhibit the qualities, integrity, and enthusiasm necessary to successfully guide Hawaii's thriving agriculture industry as members of the Board of Agriculture.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture that are 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.