STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2169

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 724, 725, 726, 727

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. 724, 725, 726, and 727, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Legacy Land Conservation Commission

G.M. No. 724	CHRISTIANE LUCAS, for a term to expire 06-30-2021;
G.M. No. 725	JACOB TAVARES, for a term to expire 06-30-2023;
G.M. No. 726	JOHN SINTON, for a term to expire 06-30-2023; and
G.M. No. 727	BERYL BLAICH, for a term to expire 06-30-2021,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Christiane Lucas, Jacob Tavares, John Sinton, and Beryl Blaich for service on the Legacy Land Conservation Commission.

CHRISTIANE LUCAS

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Christiane Lucas from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Oahu County Committee, Oahu County Democrats; Malama Maunalua; Conservation Council for Hawai‘i; Maunalua Fishpond Heritage Center; The Outdoor Circle; and four individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Lucas is the Program Manager of the Takai Transition Center Network for Hawaii 3Rs and a Legislative Aide for State Representative Gregg Takayama. Ms. Lucas has a background in community-based land acquisition and resource stewardship, including service on the City and County of Honolulu Clean Water and Natural Lands Commission, The Outdoor Circle Executive Committee, Maunalua Fishpond Heritage Center, and Kāko‘o ‘Ōiwi Board of Directors.

Your Committee finds that Ms. Lucas has the background, experience, and commitment to public service to qualify for appointment to the Legacy Land Conservation Commission as a member of an environmental organization, pursuant to section 173A-2.4, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Testifiers commented that Ms. Lucas has served the people of Hawaii in many capacities over the years, including in the areas of environmental sustainability, public policy, and education. Testifiers noted that her professional background and training in education, legislation, and island sustainability exhibit key connections with Commission operations and concerns and her wealth of experience and knowledge will be a valuable asset for interacting with applicants, department staff, and fellow commissioners. Your Committee therefore finds that the Commission will benefit from the skills and experience that Ms. Lucas will contribute to the Commission.

JACOB TAVARES

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Jacob Tavares from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Agriculture; one member of the Kaua‘i County Council; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Kealia Ranch; Ponoholo Ranch Limited; Ulupalakua Ranch; and six individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the reappointment of Jacob Tavares from two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Tavares is a Ranch Manager at Kūlōlio Ranch, LLC on Maui. He previously worked as a Human Resource Specialist at Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company. Mr. Tavares is an active community participant and is an Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaii Board member, Maui United Way Board member, Chairman of the Government Affairs Committee of the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Director of the Maui Cattlemen's Association, and member of the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil and Water Conservation Board: Olinda-Kula District.

Your Committee finds that Mr. Tavares has the background, experience, and commitment to community and public service that further qualify him for appointment to the Legacy Land Conservation Commission as a resident of Maui and possessing membership in a statewide agricultural association, pursuant to section 173A-2.4, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Testifiers commented that Mr. Tavares has been a notable asset to the Commission for over two years as it has ranked the various applications for land acquisition funds. Testifiers noted the nominee's extensive knowledge and experience as a sixth-generation Hawaii rancher and contemporary leader regarding corporate transition from plantation systems to diversified agricultural production. Your Committee further finds that the Commission will continue to benefit from the background and experience that Mr. Tavares brings to the Commission.

JOHN SINTON

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of John Sinton from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and four individuals.

Your Committee finds that Dr. Sinton is a volcanologist with worldly experience who previously served two terms on the Natural Area Reserves Commission and served on the Legacy Land Conservation Commission from 2013 to 2017.

Your Committee finds that Dr. Sinton has the background, experience, and commitment to public service to qualify for appointment to the Legacy Land Conservation Commission as a member possessing scientific qualifications and membership in an environmental organization, pursuant to section 173A-2.4, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Testifiers commented that Dr. Sinton provides good insight as to whether organizations have sufficient structure and organizational capacity to succeed at the land management goals they propose. Testifiers noted that he has devoted countless hours to community service projects and that his institutional knowledge, professionalism, practicality, and reputation make him a particularly welcome nominee. Your Committee further finds that the Commission will benefit from the skills and experience that Dr. Sinton will contribute to the Commission.

BERYL BLAICH

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Beryl Blaich from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, National Tropical Botanical Garden, one member of the State House of Representatives, and four individuals.

Your Committee finds that Ms. Blaich is active in her community including as a member of the Manoa Valley Cultural Heritage Foundation and Kuali‘i Foundation, Kīlauea Neighborhood Association, Mālama Māhā‘ulepū, and Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, Kaua‘i Island Council. Ms. Blaich has a background in teaching, neighborhood governance, culture, arts, and environmental concerns.

Your Committee finds that Ms. Blaich has the background, experience, and commitment to public service to qualify for appointment to the Legacy Land Conservation Commission as a member possessing scientific qualifications as evidenced by an academic degree in wildlife or marine biology, botany, forestry, ecology, resource management, biogeography, zoology, or geology, pursuant to section 173A-2.4, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Testifiers commented that Ms. Blaich has served the people of Hawaii in many capacities over the years, including in the areas of environmental sustainability, public policy, and education. Testifiers noted that her education and experience in community-based planning for land use and resource management will be beneficial to the Legacy Land Conservation Program as it completes the development of a plan for the acquisition of land having value as a resource to the State. Your Committee further finds that the Commission will benefit from the skills and experience that Ms. Blaich will contribute to the Commission.

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