STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1856

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 699, 700

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. 699 and 700, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Natural Area Reserves System Commission

G.M. No. 699	NORINE HAYES, for a term to expire 06-30-2025; and
G.M. No. 700	THORNE ABBOTT, 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 Norine Hayes and Thorne Abbott for service on the Natural Area Reserves System Commission.

NORINE HAYES

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Norine Hayes from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and seven individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Norine Hayes's professional experience, background, and desire to serve her community qualify her for consideration for reappointment to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission as a member that possesses scientific qualifications as evidenced by an academic degree in zoology. Your Committee notes that Ms. Hayes has been the Malacology Curator for the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum since 2015 and a Research Collaborator with the Smithsonian Institution's U.S. National Museum of Natural History since 2011. She has also been a reviewer for publications such as the Wilson Journal of Ornithology, Journal of Parasitology, and the American Malacological Bulletin since 2011. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Hayes is also an active member in various professional organizations, including the American Malacological Society and American Association for the Advancement of Science. Ms. Hayes has served as a member of the Natural Area Reserves System Commission since 2017 and her knowledge and experience continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Natural Area Reserves System Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Norine Hayes be reappointed to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

THORNE ABBOTT

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Thorne Abbott from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and five individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Thorne Abbott's professional experience, background, and desire to serve his community qualify him for consideration for appointment to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission as a member that possesses scientific qualifications as evidenced by an academic degree in ecology and marine biology. Mr. Abbott received a Doctorate in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Hawaii; a Post-Master Certificate in Coastal Planning from the University of Maryland; a Master of Science in Environmental Science from James Cook University, Australia; and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from West Virginia University. Your Committee notes that Mr. Abbott's experience in environmental consulting spans over twenty years, with expertise in coastal planning and familiarity with Hawaii land use laws and regulations. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Abbott has served as a member of the Legacy Land Conservation Commission from 2012 to 2019 and has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Thorne Abbott be appointed to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission based on his experience, knowledge, and dedication to public service.

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,

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LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair