Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land, and Agriculture, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 789, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

NEAL S. FUJIWARA recently retired from the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) after thirty-two years. He holds a bachelor's degree from Utah State University and also worked in the sugar industry as an assistant irrigation specialist. Mr. Fujiwara has designed irrigation systems for farmers and several taro growers, and as an employee of the NRCS, Mr. Fujiwara also assisted the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission staff in developing their rainwater catchment and storage tank for irrigation. He has also served the communities on the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kauai, and Niihau.

Testimony in support of Mr. Fujiwara was submitted by the State Conservationist for Hawaii and Director of the Pacific Basin Area for the NRCS; the Department of Land and Natural Resources; East Kauai Soil & Water Conservation Districts; Hamakua Soil and Water Conservation District; the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center; the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation; Kauai County Farm Bureau; Maui County Farm Bureau; Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc.; Tropical Hawaiian Products; and five individuals.

Your Committee finds that the nominee's background, experience, and commitment to public service make him an asset to the Commission on Water Resource Management.

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