STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1762

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 752, 753

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 752 and 753, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board

G.M. No. 752	NATHANIEL OSWALD, for a term to expire 06-30-2025; and
G.M. No. 753	FAITH TUIPULOTU, for a term to expire 06-30-2024,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Nathaniel Oswald and Faith Tuipulotu for service on the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board.

NATHANIEL OSWALD

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Nathaniel Oswald from the Department of Agriculture; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Oswald's background, experience, and dedication to public service qualify him for appointment to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board. Mr. Oswald currently owns Oswald Nursery Management, LLC and is the President of the Molokai County Farm Bureau. He previously was a production manager and research associate for Monsanto on Molokai, where he was responsible for daily operations and row crop nursey management, directly supervised all field crews, and gained knowledge in crop expectations and multi-season seed production. As an active farmer and user of the Molokai Irrigation System, Mr. Oswald is familiar with the needs and concerns of both users and the system and seeks to explore ways to maintain sustainable access to water. Therefore, your Committee finds that Mr. Oswald has the experience, knowledge, and desire to contribute to the community and will be an asset to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board as the representative for the Molokai County Farm Bureau.

FAITH TUIPULOTU

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Faith Tuipulotu from the Department of Agriculture, Kalama‘ula Mauka Homestead Association, one member of the House of Representatives, and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Tuipulotu's background, experience, and dedication to public service qualify her for appointment to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board. Ms. Tuipulotu is a third-generation farmer on Molokai, President of the Molokai Homestead Farmers Alliance, and works with the University of Hawaii's College of Tropical Agriculture's Cooperative Extension Service assisting farmers with land preparation and crop production. She also owns Tuipulotu Organics LLC where she delivers papayas, butternut squash, and bun long taro. She is an Organic Inspector for the Hawaii Organic Farming Association and offers organic certification services to farmers throughout the State. Ms. Tuipulotu sees it as her duty to encourage future generations to learn about farming and assist the State in achieving its goals in doubling local food production. Therefore, your Committee finds that Ms. Tuipulotu has the experience, knowledge, and desire to contribute to the community and will be an asset to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board as the representative for the Molokai-Lanai Soil and Water Conservation District.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment 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 Agriculture and Environment,

____________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair