STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3574

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 900, 901, 902

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. 900, 901, and 902, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

Legacy Land Conservation Commission

G.M. No. 900	THORNE ABBOTT, for a term to expire 6-30-2015;
G.M. No. 901	JOAN CANFIELD, for a term to expire 6-30-2016; and
G.M. No. 902	HERBERT RICHARDS, JR., for a term to expire 6-30-2015,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Thorne Abbott, Joan Canfield, and Herbert Richards, Jr. to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Legacy Land Conservation Commission ("Commission").

THORNE ABBOTT

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Thorne Abbott from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Marine Resource Commission, and twenty-nine individuals.

     Mr. Abbott is currently an environmental analyst and planner for TEC Inc. in Honolulu.  His education background includes a Master of Science in Tropical Environmental Management from James Cook University in Townsville, Australia, and study in Marine Science at the University of Maryland and in Coastal Planning at the University of Hawaii.  His experience in coastal planning and familiarity with Hawaii land use laws and regulations will assist the Commission in reviewing and analyzing land acquisition grant proposals.

JOAN CANFIELD

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Joan Canfield from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, University of Hawaii, and one individual.

     Ms. Canfield is currently serving on the Commission as a five-year active member.  She is an Affiliate Graduate Faculty member for the University of Hawaii Department of Botany and Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology Program and has a Doctorate of Philosophy in Botany from the University of Hawaii.  As a scientist, her experience includes twenty years as a professional biologist with positions at The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Geological Survey's Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center.  Her broad knowledge of Hawaii's ecological resources and strong background in endangered species biology and management will continue to be a valuable resource to the Commission.

HERBERT RICHARDS, JR.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Herbert Richards, Jr., from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, and Papa Ola Lokahi.

     Mr. Richards is a well-respected rancher and is currently serving on the Commission.  He has extensive experience serving the State through membership on various boards and commissions, including the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii, Hawaii County Police Commission, and the Commission on Water Resource Management.  Currently, his community activities include participation as the Chairperson of the Farm Services Administration, a board member for the Mauna Kea Soul and Water Conservation District, and Chairperson for 4Ag.  With his extensive background serving the State and local communities, his reappointment will continue to be an asset to the Commission.

     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