STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1855

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 582

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 582, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Natural Area Reserves System Commission

G.M. No. 582

JAY PENNIMAN, for a term to expire 06-30-2028,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Jay Penniman for service on the Natural Area Reserves System Commission.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Jay Penniman from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Penniman's experience and knowledge qualify him for reappointment to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission. Your Committee finds that Mr. Penniman is currently the project manager of the Maui Nui Seabird Recovery University of Hawaii, Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit where his responsibilities include developing strategies and programs to recover endangered seabird populations and ensure the survival of existing native seabird populations, provide education and outreach to inform the public about seabirds and their habitats, and provide services as a seabird biologist and ecologist to the Maui District Division of Forestry and Wildlife of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Your Committee further finds that as the owner of Larix Natural Resources Consulting and Construction, Mr. Penniman provides professional services to the County of Maui and Department of Land and Natural Resources. Your Committee notes that Mr. Penniman has served on the Natural Area Reserves System Commission since 2020. Your Committee also finds that Mr. Penniman thoroughly understands the roles and responsibilities of members and his extensive experience, expertise, and passion for the State's native seabirds will continue to be assets to the Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Jay Penniman be reappointed to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water and Land,

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LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair