STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1737

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 795, 796

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 795 and 796, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Commission on Water Resource Management

 

G.M. No. 795

KAMANAMAIKALANI BEAMER,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021; and

 

G.M. No. 796

PAUL MEYER,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Kamanamaikalani Beamer and Paul Meyer to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated for appointment to the Commission on Water Resource Management.

 

KAMANAMAIKALANI BEAMER

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Kamanamaikalani Beamer from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Sierra Club of Hawaii, KAHEA: the Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance, Pōai Wai Ola: West Kauai Watershed Alliance, Commercial Farm, and twenty-eight individuals.

 

     Kamanamaikalani Beamer received an Associate of Arts degree from Marymount College, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Hawaiian Studies and Philosophy, Master of Arts degree in Geography, and Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Hawaii.  Dr. Beamer also earned a Certificate at the First Nations Futures Institute at Stanford University.  Since 2012, Dr. Beamer has been an Associate Professor at the University of Hawaii, Hawaiinuiakea School of Hawaiian Knowledge and William S. Richardson School of Law, HuiĀina Momona Program.  Dr. Beamer has published extensively in his field and is an invited speaker at numerous domestic and international conferences, forums, and media events.  Dr. Beamer currently serves on the Commission on Water Resource Management.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Beamer's education, professional experience, and proven leadership further qualify him to be nominated for reappointment to the Commission on Water Resource Management.  Testifiers commented that Dr. Beamer's extensive background and knowledge of the State's water resource issues made him a tremendous asset to the Commission during his first term, and contributed to enriching the Commission's discussions and resolutions over the past three years.  Testifiers noted that the nominee has a substantial and culturally-grounded understanding of the need to uphold the public trust in Hawaii's water resources.  Dr. Beamer indicated in his personal statement that he is committed to the Commission's mission to protect and enhance the water resources of Hawaii through wise and responsible management, and noted that his educational and professional background, including research for his published works, have given him significant experience in the area of water resource management throughout Hawaii.  Your Committee further finds that the Commission will continue to benefit from the knowledge and experience that Dr. Beamer brings to the Commission.

 

PAUL MEYER

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Paul Meyer from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Maui County Farm Bureau, and one individual.

 

     Paul Meyer recently retired as the Deputy Director of the Department of Water Supply of the County of Maui after holding the position since 2010.  Mr. Meyer has an extensive background in business and financial consulting, including as Principal at Meyer Associates, LLC; Executive Vice President of Finance at Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc.; and Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Secretary at Victoria Station Incorporated.  Mr. Meyer holds a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Business Administration from Loyola University Chicago, and has completed the requirements for a Master of Business Administration at the University of California Berkeley.  Mr. Meyer is involved in numerous community and social organizations, and was honorably discharged as Sergeant from the United States Army Reserve.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Meyer's broad professional experience, proven leadership, and commitment to public service further qualify him to be nominated for appointment to the Commission on Water Resource Management.  Testifiers commented that Mr. Meyer has extensive and substantial water resource management experience and expertise in public and private water supply system management.  Testifiers noted that the nominee is a seasoned executive with leadership and financial oversight skills and experience, as well as an expansive range of knowledge in areas relevant to the Commission, including engineering, agriculture, land management, and energy development.  Mr. Meyer indicated in his personal statement that he has the background, training, and experience to contribute materially and in a constructive manner to the Commission.  The nominee notes that water and the issue of water use are critical to the communities in Hawaii, and he hopes to contribute to the wise, efficient, and effective use of this vital public resource.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Meyer's knowledge and experience will be an asset to the Commission.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land 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 Water and Land,

 

 

 

____________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair