Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 172, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Upon review of the testimony and statements submitted by the nominee, your Committee finds that he has the necessary character, experience, and qualifications to serve on the Agribusiness Development Corporation Board of Directors ("Board").

Testimony supporting the nominee was received from the Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness Development Corporation, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, Hawaii Agriculture Research Center, Kauai Economic Development Board, Meadow Gold Dairies, Pineapple Growers Association of Hawaii, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that Mr. Katayama has over thirty years experience in the agriculture industry and business operations, and currently serves as President of Kilauea Argonomics, Inc., which is a guava orchard and processing plant in Kauai. He is an active participant in numerous organizations including the Tropical Fruit Growers Association, Kauai Products Council, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, Kauai Visitors Bureau, and the Kauai chapter of the Hawaii Hotel Association.

With his diverse experience, he is intimately familiar with the history and current status of Hawaii's agriculture industry. In addition, Mr. Katayama has been involved in solving issues that face Hawaii's agriculture industry and is well prepared to address the future challenges.

Based upon the foregoing and the testimony submitted by the nominee, your Committee finds that the nominee has been appointed based upon his credentials, integrity, and a desire to improve Hawaii through his service on the Board.

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