STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2167

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 709

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. 709, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation

G.M. No. 709

WARREN WATANABE, for a term to expire 06-30-2020,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Warren Watanabe for service on the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Mr. Watanabe from the Department of Agriculture; Agribusiness Development Corporation; one member of the Kaua‘i County Council; Ulupono Initiative; Kealia Ranch; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; Ponoholo Ranch Limited; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Ulupalakua Ranch; Bayer; Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association; Hawaii Agriculture Research Center; and eight individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the appointment of Mr. Watanabe from one individual.

Your Committee finds that Mr. Watanabe received his Bachelor of Science degree in Horticultural Science from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. Until its closure in 2012, Mr. Watanabe worked for his family farm, Watanabe Farm, growing lei heads and vegetables. The Watanabe Farm specialty vegetables were marketed under the name Kolours of Kula via Local Island Fresh Edibles. Since 2012, Mr. Watanabe has served as the Executive Director of the Maui County Farm Bureau. Mr. Watanabe also acts as support staff for the Hawaii Farm Bureau.

Your Committee further finds that Mr. Watanabe has served on several boards and advisory committees. Mr. Watanabe has served as a board member for the Maui County Board of Water Supply, Board of Maui Produce Processing Cooperative, and as a board member and president of the Maui County Farm Bureau. Mr. Watanabe has also served on the following advisory committees: Maui General Plan, Kahului Harbor Master Plan, Young Bros-Superferry, Maui County Tourism Strategic Plan, Focus Maui Nui, and Hawaii Drought Council. Your Committee finds that Mr. Watanabe is well-qualified to serve on the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation.

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