STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2156

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 689, 690

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 Nos. 689 and 690, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Moloka'i Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board

G.M. No. 689	FAITH TUIPULOTU, for a term to expire 06-30-2020; and
G.M. No. 690	JILL COOMBS, for a term to expire 06-30-2023,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Faith Tuipulotu and Jill Coombs for service on the Moloka‘i Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board.

FAITH TUIPULOTU

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Faith Tuipulotu from the Moloka‘i Chamber of Commerce, Anahaki LLC, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that Ms. Tuipulotu works as an Agricultural Technician IV at the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Cooperative Extension Service. She additionally serves as a Certified Organic Inspector and President of the Moloka‘i Homestead Farmers Alliance, among other things. Your Committee finds that Ms. Tuipulotu has the background, experience, and commitment to public service to qualify for appointment to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board as a member of the Moloka‘i-Lāna‘i Soil and Water Conservation District Board, pursuant to section 167-23, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Testifiers commented that Ms. Tuipulotu has achieved long and distinguished career in agriculture on Moloka‘i. Testifiers noted that she embodies what it means to be an advocate of agriculture. Your Committee further finds that the Board will benefit from the skills and experience that Ms. Tuipulotu will contribute to the Board.

JILL COOMBS

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Jill Coombs from the Moloka‘i Chamber of Commerce, Anahaki LLC, and nine individuals.

Your Committee finds that Ms. Coombs is a plant scientist with sixteen years of experience in agriculture who currently works as Production Lead at Bayer in Kaunakakai. Your Committee finds that Ms. Coombs has the background, experience, and commitment to public service to qualify for appointment to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board as a nonhomestead farmer user on Moloka‘i, pursuant to section 167-23, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Testifiers commented that Ms. Coombs has a deep appreciation for Moloka‘i, its resources, and culture, as well as a full understanding of Moloka‘i water systems. Testifiers noted that she centers much of her focus around conservation, stewardship, and sustainability. Your Committee further finds that the Board will benefit from the skills and experience that Ms. Coombs will contribute to the Board.

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

____________________________

KAIALI'I KAHELE, Chair