STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1205

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 596

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 596, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board Chairperson of the Department of Agriculture

G.M. No. 596

PHYLLIS SHIMABUKURO, for a term to expire 12-31-2022 (name amended to PHYLLIS SHIMABUKURO-GEISER by GM634),

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser for service as the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser from Governor David Y. Ige; Department of Agriculture; Agribusiness Development Corporation; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Transportation; Department of Health; Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; Department of Accounting and General Services; Department of Defense; Department of Human Resources Development; Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Workforce Development Division; Office of Enterprise Technology Services; one member of the Hawai‘i County Council; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Hawaii Agriculture Research Center; Hawaii Crop Improvement Association; Ulupono Initiative; Bayer; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; Ponoholo Ranch Limited; Hawaii Coffee Association; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Hartung Brothers, Inc.; Maui County Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; SK Natural Farms, LLC (aka 2 Lady Farmers); and eighty-six individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the appointment of Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser from three individuals. Your Committee received comments on the nomination for the appointment of Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser from Rancho Aloha and Ka Ohana O Na Pua.

Your Committee finds that Ms. Shimabukuro-Geiser earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. She thereafter earned a Master of Science in Avian Sciences from the University of California, Davis. With over thirty years' experience, Ms. Shimabukuro-Geiser's background in fresh egg production, management, and poultry feed has provided her with a wealth of knowledge in the poultry industry in Hawaii. From 2009 to 2014, she served as the President of Mikilua Poultry Farm, Inc., in Waianae. Since 2015, Ms. Shimabukuro-Geiser has served as the Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture and, according to the Governor, has been instrumental in moving the Department of Agriculture forward in our efforts to increase local food production.

Ms. Shimabukuro-Geiser has also served on a number of boards and committees in the community, including the State Medical Marijuana Dispensary License Selection Panel, State Interagency Climate Adaptation Committee, State Agriculture Workforce Advisory Board, Hawai‘i Farm Bureau, Hawaii Egg Producers Cooperative, United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency Hawaii State Committee, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Cooperative Extension Veterinary Specialist Search Committee, and Hawaii State Board of Agriculture. Ms. Shimabukuro-Geiser has also received recognition from the agricultural community as the first female recipient of the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation Outstanding Member award.

Ms. Shimabukuro-Geiser's mission is to assist all farmers and ranchers to grow more wholesome food, fiber, and energy through coexistence of conventional and organic practices with innovative tools to double local food production. Ms. Shimabukuro-Geiser's passion for and commitment to sustainability, food resiliency, and quality of life for the people of Hawaii make her well-suited to serve as the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture.

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