STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3799

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 685

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2018

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 685, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Advisory Committee on Pesticides

G.M. No. 685

JEFFREY KERMODE, for a term to expire 06-30-2020,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Jeffrey Kermode for service on the Advisory Committee on Pesticides.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Jeffrey Kermode from the Department of Agriculture; Maui Gold Pineapple Company; Hawaii Farm Bureau; Maui County Farm Bureau; Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.; Ponoholo Ranch Limited; Hawaii Coffee Association; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; and twenty-three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Kermode's background, knowledge, and experience in environmental-related fields and the sugar industry qualify him for reappointment to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides as a representative of the sugar industry. Mr. Kermode received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography with a specialization in Environmental Studies from the University of British Columbia. Mr. Kermode worked in environmental health and safety related fields for over twenty years. As a consultant, his work ranged from performing environmental site assessments to pollution prevention planning. For the past six years, Mr. Kermode has been employed as the Environmental Affairs' Specialist for Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company, where he ensures environmental compliance for all aspects of the company's agricultural activities, including pesticide use, storage, and handling. Previously he worked as the Environmental Manager for Maui Land and Pineapple Company, where he also worked on pesticide related issues. Through his work, Mr. Kermode has developed a deep appreciation for the environment and agriculture in Hawaii. He served on the Advisory Committee on Pesticides from July of 2012 to June of 2016. Mr. Kermode brings to the Committee unique qualifications to assess the potential impact of proposed regulations on farming interests and to also ensure that proposed regulations are protective of human health and the environment.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment 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 Agriculture and Environment,

____________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair