STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3057

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 354

 

 

 

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2010

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 354, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation

 

G.M. No. 354

MARISSA SANDBLOM,

for a term to expire 6-30-2013,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statements of the nominee, and finds Marissa Sandblom to have the necessary qualifications for the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation.

 

     Testimony in support of the nominee was submitted by two state agencies, one county Mayor, two organizations, and six individuals.  Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

 

     Ms. Sandblom is nominated to represent the County of Kauai on the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation.  She received her Bachelor's degree and her Master's degree in Business Administration from Hawaii Pacific University.  Ms. Sandblom is the Vice President of Grove Farm Company, Inc. and oversees Grove Farm's philanthropic efforts.  She is on the Board of Directors of the Kauai Visitors Bureau, the Kauai Economic Development Board, the Kauai Planning and Action Alliance, and PBS Hawaii.

 

     Ms. Sandblom has experience in marketing, promotion, and the coordination of agricultural projects which can assist the Agribusiness Development Corporation in its management of state-owned agricultural lands and water systems.  She recognizes there are many challenges facing local agriculture, and is interested in finding innovative solutions to transitioning former plantation lands and water systems into diversified agricultural endeavors.  Ms. Sandblom stresses the importance of fostering and strengthening partnerships across business and industry sectors, and believes that community service and volunteerism strengthen the bond between businesses and the community.  In addition to her experience in the banking industry and the non-profit sector, she has undertaken a number of agricultural projects ranging from an ecological restoration project at Iliahi to developing an environmental education program at Grove Farm's Nene Habitat.  Your Committee wants Ms. Sandblom to bring her dedication to public service and commitment to establishing diversified agriculture to the Agribusiness Development Corporation Board of Directors.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs 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.

 

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

 

 

 

____________________________

CLAYTON HEE, Chair