SSCR3979

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3979

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 653, 654, 688

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 653, 654, and 688, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Advisory Committee on Pesticides

G.M. No. 653

MELVIN TOKUDA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023;

G.M. No. 654

TROY SAKIHARA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025; and

G.M. No. 688

STEVE RUSSO,

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 Melvin Tokuda, Troy Sakihara, and Steve Russo for service on the Advisory Committee on Pesticides.

Melvin Tokuda

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Melvin Tokuda from the Department of Agriculture.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Tokuda's expertise and knowledge gained through his role as an environmental health specialist at the Department of Health qualify him for appointment to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. Your Committee notes that Mr. Tokuda has served in his current role as an environmental health specialist with the Safe Drinking Water Branch of the Department of Health for nearly fifteen years. Prior to his work for the Department of Health, Mr. Tokuda worked as a pesticide specialist at the Department of Agriculture for sixteen years from 1992 to 2008. In addition to his work with the Departments of Agriculture and Health, Mr. Tokuda served as first sergeant in the Hawaii Army National Guard for over thirty years. Mr. Tokuda's record demonstrates his expertise and knowledge regarding pesticide use and his commitment to public service, which will be assets to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. Your Committee therefore recommends that Melvin Tokuda be appointed to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

Troy Sakihara

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointed of Troy Sakihara from the Department of Agriculture and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Sakihara's expertise and knowledge regarding environmental science qualify him for appointment to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. Your Committee notes that Mr. Sakihara currently works as an aquatic biologist for the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources. Prior to his role as an aquatic biologist, Mr. Sakihara worked in a range of positions at the Division of Aquatic Resources, including as an estuarine surveyor researcher, estuarine surveyor, creel census surveyor, and stream surveyor. In total, Mr. Sakihara has worked for the Division of Aquatic Resources for over fifteen years. Mr. Sakihara earned his Master of Science in tropical conservation biology and environmental science at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, where he authored a master's thesis on Hawaii's Halocaridina rubra population. Mr. Sakihara has also published peer-reviewed research on aquatic wildlife and ecosystems and is an active member of several professional and community organizations, including the American Fisheries Society, Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography, Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation, Divers Alert Network, and Wildlife Society. Mr. Sakihara's extensive training and knowledge regarding Hawaii's aquatic resources and continued involvement in professional and community organizations will be an asset to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. Your Committee therefore recommends that Troy Sakihara be appointed to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to community service.

Steve Russo

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Steve Russo from the Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Pest Control Association.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Russo's knowledge and experience regarding the pesticide industry in the State qualify him for appointment to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. Your Committee notes that Mr. Russo currently works as a regional support manager for the Terminix International Company, LP, in Honolulu. In his role as regional support manager, Mr. Russo acts as a liaison with state and local authorities to ensure compliance with regulations. Previously, Mr. Russo worked as a regional technical specialist for Terminix and as an environmental health specialist for the Department of Agriculture. In addition to his work for Terminix and the Department of Agriculture, Mr. Russo has served as the chairperson and member of the Hawaii Pest Control Association. Mr. Russo also holds numerous certifications in the use of pest control equipment and processes, including as a licensed restricted use pesticide applicator. Mr. Russo's knowledge and experience in the pesticide industry will be an asset to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. Your Committee therefore recommends that Steve Russo be appointed to Advisory Committee on Pesticides based on his experience and knowledge.

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