SSCR2003

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2003

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 531, 532, 533

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 531, 532, and 533, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Advisory Committee on Pesticides

G.M. No. 531

JUDSON LAIRD,

for a term to expire 06-30-2028;

G.M. No. 532

NICHOLAS TESTA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2028; and

G.M. No. 533

JANET ASHMAN,

for a term to expire 06-30-2028,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Judson Laird, Nicholas Testa, and Janet Ashman for service on the Advisory Committee on Pesticides.

JUDSON LAIRD

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Judson Laird from the Department of Agriculture and Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Laird's background and desire to serve the public qualify him to be appointed to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides as a representative of the diversified agriculture industry. Your Committee notes that Mr. Laird has over fifteen years of experience in pest control for large- and small-scale agricultural productions and holds numerous certifications and licenses related to Restricted Use Pesticides. Mr. Laird is the owner and manager of Laird Crop Services LLC, a company providing crop advice, pest recommendations, and spray applications, and also currently works as a Pest Control Advisor for Mahi Pono, a Maui farming company transforming former sugarcane land for diversified agriculture. Previously, Mr. Laird was an Agronomic Research Specialist III for Bayer Crop Science where he managed cover crops and provided recommendations for pest control. Testimony in support of his appointment indicates that Mr. Laird is a strong advocate for environmentally responsible pesticide use practices to mitigate damage to agroecosystems on farms and other environments. Your Committee finds that Mr. Laird understands the role and responsibilities of committee members and his hands-on experience in pesticide application and compliance across different farming operations will enhance the effectiveness of the Advisory Committee. Your Committee therefore recommends that Judson Laird be appointed to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides based on his knowledge, background, and desire to serve the public.

NICHOLAS TESTA

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Nicholas Testa from the Department of Agriculture.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Testa's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him to be appointed to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides as a representative of the structural pest control industry. Your Committee notes that Mr. Testa has been in the pest control industry for over five years and is licensed as a pesticide applicator with the Department of Agriculture in four categories and as a Pest Control Field Representative with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Mr. Testa is currently the Trainer and Compliance Officer and Special Service Manager at Aloha Termite and Pest Control where he provides weekly trainings and classes to new and continuing pest control technicians to ensure comprehension, safety, and compliance with state pesticide laws. Mr. Testa has also hosted many classes that have been approved by the Department of Agriculture for credits towards license renewals, continuously researching new product offerings and auditing current practices. Your Committee finds that Mr. Testa understands the role and responsibilities of committee members and his experience in integrated pest management will enhance the effectiveness of the Advisory Committee. Your Committee therefore recommends that Nicholas Testa be appointed to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides based on his experience, background, and desire to serve his community.

JANET ASHMAN

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Janet Ashman from the Department of Agriculture; Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Maui County Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Ponoholo Ranch; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; and fourteen individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Ashman's background and dedication to public service qualify her to be appointed to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides as a representative of the Hawaii Farm Bureau. Your Committee notes that Ms. Ashman has over thirty years of experience advocating for farmers and has been working for the Hawaii Farm Bureau since 2008, assisting various types and sizes of farms and ranches statewide on issues related to environmental stewardship, pesticides, invasive species, land use, conservation, agricultural crimes, endangered species, water, and other matters integral to continued farm viability. Previously, Ms. Ashman was an Environmental Specialist for the Hawaii Agricultural Research Center and the Hawaiian Sugar Planters Association. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Ashman has owned a small farm cultivating orchard crops and raised goats since 2008. Your Committee finds that Ms. Ashman has served on a multitude of public and private committees, including prior terms on the Advisory Committee on Pesticides, and that her science and legal background and experience in environmental regulation will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Advisory Committee. Your Committee therefore recommends that Janet Ashman be appointed to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides based on her knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

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