SSCR1845

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1845

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 587, 588

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 587 and 588, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation

G.M. No. 587

DEAN OKIMOTO,

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

G.M. No. 588

NATHAN TRUMP,

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 Dean Okimoto and Nathan Trump for service on the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation.

DEAN OKIMOTO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Dean Okimoto from the Agribusiness Development Corporation; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Crop Improvement Association; Hawaii Fish Company Inc.; and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Okimoto's knowledge, experience, and proven expertise in business within the agricultural industry, local food production, and management, qualify him for appointment to the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation as an at‑large member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Okimoto has been fostering collaborative relationships between restaurants and local farmers for over thirty-five years as the founder and former owner of Nalo Farms, Inc. Mr. Okimoto is currently working in collaboration with Kunia County Farms to regenerate Nalo Farms in Kunia. A longtime advocate for locally grown products, Mr. Okimoto currently serves as the Chairman of the Hawaii Agricultural Foundation and a board member for the Hawaii Seafood Council, Board of Water Supply Advisory Board, Pacific Century Fellows, and Leeward Community College Culinary Program, and therefore has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members. He also previously served as President of the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation for eleven years where he was able to leverage farmers markets to generate revenue for the Hawaii Farm Bureau, ensuring stable membership costs to local producers. Your Committee finds the Mr. Okimoto's advocacy for local farmers; commitment to strengthening food security; expertise in sustainable agriculture, business development and tourism; deep‑rooted knowledge of Hawaii's agricultural landscape; and ability to develop public-private partnerships will bring invaluable first-hand insight to the Agribusiness Development Corporation's efforts to increase agricultural self-sufficiency and enhance the State's economy through diversified farming initiatives. Your Committee therefore recommends that Dean Okimoto be appointed the Agribusiness Development Corporation based on his experience, knowledge, expertise, and commitment to public service.

NATHAN TRUMP

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Nathan Trump from the Agribusiness Development Corporation; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Department of Research and Development of the County of Hawaiʻi; North Kohala Community Resource Center; Hawaii Fish Company Inc.; Hawaii Crop Improvement Association; Kohala Food Hub; Kapaniaia Farms; and four individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Trump's knowledge experience, and proven expertise in business within the agricultural industry, local food production, and management qualify him for appointment to the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation as a member from the County of Hawaii. Your Committee notes that Mr. Trump currently works as the General Manager of Island Harvest Inc., where he has been managing farming operations, implementing macadamia nut orchard nutrition strategies, and operating the company's retail brand successfully since 2015. Under his leadership, Island Harvest Inc. expanded into value-added product development, furthering local food production and sustainability efforts. Mr. Trump is active in his community, serving as President of the North Kohala Community Resource Center and a member of the Synergistic Hawaii Agricultural Council, and globally as a member of the World Macadamia Organisation and International Macadamia Symposium Committee. Currently serving as President of the Hawaii Macadamia Nut Association, Mr. Trump leads monthly meetings, coordinates workshops, assists in grant application processes, and works to secure federal funding. Your Committee notes that Mr. Trump has been serving on the Board of the Agribusiness Development Corporation as an interim member, and therefore has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Nathan Trump be appointed to the Board of the Agribusiness Development Corporation based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development and Tourism 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 Economic Development and Tourism,

____________________________

LYNN DECOITE, Chair