STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1754

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 562, 563

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 562 and 563, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Commission on Water Resource Management

G.M. No. 562	PAUL MEYER, for a term to expire 06-30-2025; and
G.M. No. 563	AURORA KAGAWA-VIVIANI, for a term to expire 06-30-2025,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Paul Meyer and Aurora Kagawa-Viviani for service on the Commission on Water Resource Management.

PAUL MEYER

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Paul Meyer from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Commission on Water Resource Management, Haleakala Ranch, and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Meyer's professional experience, proven leadership, and commitment to public service qualify him for consideration for reappointment to the Commission on Water Resource Management. Your Committee notes that Mr. Meyer was the Deputy Director of the Department of Water Supply of the County of Maui from 2010 to 2017. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Meyer was also the Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration for Maui Land and Pineapple, Inc. for twenty-three years, where he managed the company's watershed conservation efforts, along with its private and semi-private surface water systems, irrigation systems, and punawais (springs). Your Committee further finds that Mr. Meyer has served on the Commission on Water Resource Management since 2017 and his thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members continues to enhance the effectiveness of the Commission on Water Resource Management. His extensive and substantial water conservation and water resource management experience will continue to be assets to the Commission on Water Resource Management. Your Committee therefore recommends that Paul Meyer be reappointed to the Commission on Water Resource Management based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

AURORA KAGAWA-VIVIANI

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Aurora Kagawa-Viviani from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Commission on Water Resource Management, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kua‘āina Ulu ‘Auamo, ‘Āina Aloha Economic Futures, Sierra Club of Hawai‘i, Prince Kūhiō Hawaiian Civic Club, Ke One O Kākuhihewa, and twenty-three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Kagawa-Viviani's background and desire to serve the public qualify her to be appointed to the Commission on Water Resource Management as a member with substantial expertise in traditional Hawaiian water resource management techniques and riparian usage, pursuant to section 174C-7, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Dr. Kagawa-Viviani is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Department of Geography and Environment, where she teaches a course titled "Water and Society". Your Committee notes that Dr. Kagawa-Viviani earned a Doctorate from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Geography and Environment; a Master of Science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Botany with a specialization in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology; and a Bachelor of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Environmental Engineering. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Kagawa-Viviani's thesis was regarding the variation in species and stand level water use for native forest and non-native timber plantation in Hōnaunau, Hawaii. Dr. Kagawa-Viviani is an active member in professional organizations, such as the American Geophysical Union. Your Committee further finds that Dr. Kagawa-Viviani has an understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in tropical vegetation and indigenous ecohydrology will enhance the effectiveness of the Commission on Water Resource Management. Your Committee therefore recommends that Aurora Kagawa-Viviani be appointed to the Commission on Water Resource Management based on her knowledge, background, and desire to serve the public.

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,

____________________________

LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair