STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3134

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 427

 

 

 

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. 427, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Board of Land and Natural Resources

 

G.M. No. 427

ROBERT J. PACHECO,

for a term to expire 6-30-2014,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statements of the nominee, and finds Robert J. Pacheco to have the necessary qualifications for the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

 

     Testimony in support of the nomination of Robert J. Pacheco was submitted by one state agency, two organizations, and nineteen individuals.  Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

 

Mr. Pacheco presently serves as a member of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and represents the County of Hawaii.  He graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Socio-Economics of Natural Resource Management.  Mr. Pacheco is the Founder, President, and Naturalist Guide for Hawaii Forest and Trail, Ltd. which operates nature tours and a retail store.  He is a board member of the Big Island Visitors Bureau and President of the Tropical Reforestation and Ecosystems Education (TREE) Center-Hawaii.  His professional experience has given him an in-depth understanding of Hawaii's natural history, conservation issues, and land use policies.  He is familiar with Department of Land and Natural Resources permitting processes and administrative rules, and has a working relationship with federal and state agencies in resource management. 

 

Mr. Pacheco's breadth and depth of conservation knowledge as well as his commitment and passion for preserving this State's natural resources contribute tremendously to Board discussions and decisions.  His sensitivity to cultural and historical issues, coupled with an understating of the recreational and commercial needs of the public and business community has helped to foster a balanced viewpoint on the Board and is reflected in Board decisions.  Mr. Pacheco's reputation for integrity, even handedness, and passion for conservation make him an ideal candidate to foster coordination between the various State departments that is necessary to save money, eliminate unnecessary complexity, reduce redundancy of capital assets, and increase the efficiency and user-friendliness of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Your Committee appreciates Mr. Pacheco's past participation with the Board of Land and Natural Resources and hopes that he will continue to contribute his business sense and deep understanding of the environment.

 

     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