STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1748

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 717

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 717, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Natural Area Reserves System Commission

 

G.M. No. 717

NORINE HAYES,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Norine Hayes to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Norine Hayes from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Bishop Museum, Pu‘u Kukui Watershed Preserve, and ten individuals.

 

     Norine Hayes received a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology, Master of Science degree in Zoology with Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology Specialization, and Ph.D. in Zoology with Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology Specialization, from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  Dr. Hayes is a Malacology Researcher and Associate in Science at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum and a Research Collaborator with the Smithsonian Institute at the United States Museum of Natural History.  Dr. Hayes has received numerous grants in support of her research, including from the National Science Foundation, United States Departments of Agriculture and Interior, and the United States Army Garrison, Oahu.  Dr. Hayes also presents and publishes extensively on topics in her academic field, and is a member of several professional organizations and societies.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Hayes has the education, experience, and commitment to qualify for appointment to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission as a member possessing scientific qualifications as evidenced by an academic degree as specified in section 195-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes.  Testifiers commented that Dr. Hayes excels in her field as an evolutionary biologist, researcher and educator, and is committed to preserving biodiversity in Hawaii and in educating the next generation on its importance.  Testifiers noted the nominee's outstanding scientific intellect, work ethic and output, dedication, energy, and overall personal character and professionalism.  Dr. Hayes indicated in her personal statement that the natural resources and ecosystem functions of Hawaii are critically important to her, and noted her lifelong love and appreciation for the spectacular diversity of Hawaii.  Dr. Hayes further noted that she would like to use her professional experience and training and passion for conserving native Hawaiian flora and fauna to inform the best practices, decisions, and actions of the Commission.  Your Committee finds that Dr. Hayes' impressive background and dedication will be an asset to the Commission and supports her nomination.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land 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 and Land,

 

 

 

____________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair