STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1760

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 512

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 512, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation

 

G.M. No. 512

GLENN HONG,

for a term to expire 06-30-2022,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Glenn Hong for service on the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation. 

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Glenn Hong from the Department of Agriculture; Agribusiness Development Corporation; Matson; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; Ponoholo Ranch Limited; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Hawaii Farm Bureau; The Maritime Group; Scott E. Enright Company LLC; and two individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Hong's background, experience, and dedication to public service qualify him for appointment to the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Hong formerly served two terms on the Board of Agriculture.  Mr. Hong's service on the Board of Agriculture provides him an understanding of the Department of Agriculture and Agribusiness Development Corporation's roles in promoting commercial agriculture growth.  During his tenure, Mr. Hong developed an understanding of the need to move toward greater food security in agriculture, especially considering Hawaii's geographic location and prior history as a self-sufficient society.  Mr. Hong is dedicated to building a robust agricultural industry based on product diversity, and entrepreneurship, supportive of employment growth, agricultural land preservation, watershed protection, and broad-based community development. 

 

     Your Committee finds that Mr. Hong has previously offered his professional experience and background in fiscal administration, governmental relations, strategic planning, employment initiatives, resource allocation, and the maritime and transportation industries.  These experiences have broadened his ability to ask pertinent questions, identify potential options, and guide organizations toward desired outcomes.  As the former President of Young Brothers Limited, an inter-island cargo common carrier, Mr. Hong provided incentives for Hawaii's local farmers and ranchers with discounted agricultural rates and implemented responsible management practices to prevent the interisland movement of invasive species.  Under his leadership, Young Brothers has undergone fleet modernization initiatives to meet statewide cargo needs.

 

     According to testimony, Mr. Hong consistently demonstrates his commitment to teamwork, takes initiative, possesses strong analytical skills, and remains committed to his principles with the highest degree of ethics and diplomacy.  His experience with small businesses, marketing, and management will contribute significantly to the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation's efficiency and ability to concentrate on critical issues.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment 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 Agriculture and Environment,

 

 

 

____________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair