STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2157

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 511

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 511, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Commission on Water Resource Management

G.M. No. 511

WAYNE KATAYAMA, for a term to expire 06-30-2022,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Wayne Katayama for service on the Commission on Water Resource Management.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Wayne Katayama from the Department of Agriculture; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Agribusiness Development Corporation; Office of the Mayor of the County of Kaua‘i; one member of the Kaua‘i County Council; Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce; East Kauai Water Users' Cooperative; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Maui County Farm Bureau; The Nature Conservancy; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Hawaii Agriculture Research Center; Grove Farm Company, Inc.; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; Koloa Rum Company; Kalepa Koalition; Hawaii Crop Improvement Association; New Island Feed, Inc.; Mahukona Ranch; and twenty-four individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Katayama's experience in agriculture, commitment to public service, and proven leadership qualify him for appointment to the Commission on Water Resource Management. Your Committee notes that Mr. Katayama has held numerous positions within the agricultural industry, including the President and General Manager of Kauai Coffee Company Inc./LLC and President of Kilauea Agronomics, LLC, from which he amassed knowledge and experience in hydrology, hydropower, irrigation system management, and water quality permitting; improved process efficiencies; increased company sales through innovative marketing; instituted product quality control measures; and conducted financial analyses of company operations. Testifiers commented that Mr. Katayama has extensive knowledge and experience in agricultural irrigation systems and water resource management and a proven track record as a facilitator, partner, and supporter of agriculture in Hawaii. Testifiers also noted his long record of public service and leadership, including service to the Kaua‘i Planning Commission, Agribusiness Development Corporation Board of Directors, Hawai‘i Coffee Association, Hawai‘i Coffee Growers Association-Coffee Berry Borer Task Force, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Advisory Committee, Mayor of Kauai's Agriculture Advisory Committee, Kauai Economic Development Board Hawaii, and Hawaii Farm Bureau. Your Committee finds that Mr. Katayama's skills and experience will benefit and contribute to the Commission.

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,

____________________________

KAIALI'I KAHELE, Chair