STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3573

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 860, 861, 862

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Water, Land, and Housing, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 860, 861, and 862, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Natural Area Reserve System Commission

G.M. No. 860	TRAE MENARD, for a term to expire 6-30-2016;
G.M. No. 861	ROBIN NEWBOLD, for a term to expire 6-30-2016; and
G.M. No. 862	JONATHAN PRICE, for a term to expire 6-30-2016,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Trae Menard, Robin Newbold, and Jonathan Price to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Natural Area Reserve System Commission ("Commission").

TRAE MENARD

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Trae Menard from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

     Mr. Menard is the Director of Forest Conservation for The Nature Conservancy, Hawaii Chapter, and Kauai Watershed Alliance Coordinator.  He began working in Hawaiian forests as a graduate researcher in 1994, studying forest ecology and hydrology in the East Maui watershed.  He holds a degree in Environmental Studies and a Master of Science in Geography from the University of Hawaii.  His skills, expertise, and knowledge of watershed management and professional land management and his commitment to serve the community will be a valuable asset for the Commission.

ROBIN NEWBOLD

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Robin Newbold from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Marine Management Solutions LLC, Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, and twelve individuals.

     Ms. Newbold has been an educator for twenty years with Master's degrees in Biological Sciences.  She is active in conservation issues at the county and federal levels.  She has also served as the Maui County representative on the National Marine Sanctuary's Advisory Council.  Ms. Newbold has had a varied and active career with an extensive background in marine-oriented field work on other Pacific islands as well as Hawaii.  Her expertise in marine biology will bring a unique perspective to the Commission.

JONATHAN PRICE

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Jonathan Price from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and six individuals.

     Mr. Price is an Assistant Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.  As a faculty member, he specializes in studying various aspects of Hawaiian ecosystems and teaching courses centered on Hawaiian natural history.  His extensive experience in native Hawaiian ecosystems will provide the Commission with valuable insight of Hawaii's natural areas.

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

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water, Land, and Housing,

____________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair