STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3801

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                   

 

RE:     GOV. MSG. NOS. 700, 701, 702, 703

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2018

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 700, 701, 702, and 703, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Environmental Council

 

G.M. No. 700

MARY BEGIER,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022;

 

G.M. No. 701

ROBERT PARSONS,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022;

 

G.M. No. 702

NICOLE TUTEUR,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022; and

 

G.M. No. 703

STEPHANIE DUNBAR-CO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Mary Begier, Robert Parsons, Nicole Tuteur, and Stephanie Dunbar-Co for service on the Environmental Council.

 

MARY BEGIER

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Mary Begier from the Environmental Council, Office of Environmental Quality Control, one councilmember of the County of Hawaii, and one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Begier's experience as a realtor, background, and knowledge qualify her for reappointment to the Environmental Council as a real estate representative.  Ms. Begier is currently the principal broker, owner, and realtor of Mary Begier Realty.  Ms. Begier belongs to a number of professional organizations, including the Honolulu Board of REALTORS, Hawaii Association of REALTORS, National Association of REALTORS, Hawaii Island REALTORS, Council of Residential Specialists, and Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers.  Additionally, Ms. Begier serves as a member of the Junior League of Honolulu, Rotary Club of Hilo Bay, and Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce.  Ms. Begier has served as a member of the Environmental Council since 2017.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Begier brings to the Council extensive expertise in real estate to assist the Council in balancing development and environmental concerns.

 

ROBERT PARSONS

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Robert Parsons from the Environmental Council and Office of Environmental Quality Control.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Parsons' experience in eco-journalism and environmental consulting, background, and knowledge qualify him for reappointment to the Environmental Council as a representative of environmental consulting.  Mr. Parsons is currently employed as the Maui County Environmental Coordinator and serves as the county liaison or representative to various conservation and environmental organizations, including Hawaii Green Growth, Maui Conservation Alliance, University of Hawaii Maui College Sustainable Science Management, West Maui Ridge to Reef, East Maui Watershed Protection, Maui Invasive Species Committee, and Maui Nui Marine Resource Council.  Mr. Parsons has served on the Environmental Council since 2015.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Parsons' community involvement, knowledge, and appreciation for the complexity of natural resource and environmental issues provide him with the expertise necessary to continue to serve on the Environmental Council.

 


NICOLE TUTEUR

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Nicole Tuteur from the Environmental Council, Office of Environmental Quality Control, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Tuteur's experience in law, background, and knowledge qualify her for reappointment to the Environmental Council as a representative who is an attorney.  Ms. Tuteur is currently employed with Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law, where she co-teaches the Environmental Law Clinic, coordinates the Native Hawaiian Law Training Course for state and county decision-makers, and facilitates community trainings on water law and traditional and customary rights.  Ms. Tuteur has served as a member of the Environmental Council since December of 2015.  Your Committee finds that Ms. Tuteur's extensive expertise in water rights, climate change issues, and clean energy provide her with qualifications necessary to continue to serve on the Environmental Council.

 

STEPHANIE DUNBAR-CO

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Stephanie Dunbar-Co from the Environmental Council, Office of Environmental Quality Control, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs, The Nature Conservancy, and one individual.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Dunbar-Co's background, knowledge, and experience in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology of Hawaiian flora qualify her for reappointment to the Environmental Council as a representative who is a sustainability coordinator.  Dr. Dunbar-Co is currently employed as the East Slope Project Manager with The Nature Conservancy and led the expansion of the East Molokai Watershed Partnership.  She serves as the Program Manager of Kainalu Ranch and has been a member of the Environmental Council since 2017.  Based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service, your Committee finds that Dr. Dunbar-Co will continue to be an asset to the Environmental Council.

 

     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