STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3977

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 550, 551

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 550 and 551, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation

 

G.M. No. 550

LYLE TABATA,

for a term to expire 06-30-2025; and

 

G.M. No. 551

GLENN HONG,

for a term to expire 06-30-2026,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Lyle Tabata and Glenn Hong for service on the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation.

 

Lyle tabata

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Lyle Tabata from the Agribusiness Development Corporation; Kalepa Koalition; Hawaii Farm Bureau; Kekaha Agriculture Association; Sunrise Capital Inc.; Island Grown Foods, Inc.; Hartung Brothers, Inc.; Maui County Farm Bureau; and four individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Tabata's knowledge and experience in public service and the field of engineering qualify him for appointment to the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Tabata has worked as an engineer for over forty years, including for twenty years in agriculture.  Mr. Tabata has also worked as an engineer in water and wastewater management for nearly twenty years.  Mr. Tabata's engineering expertise has extended into government service, where he has worked as the Deputy County Engineer for the Department of Public Works of the County of Kauai since 2011.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Tabata is an active member of many professional and community organizations, including the Hawaii Water Environment Association, Contractors Association of Kauai, Smart Growth America, and Safe Routes to School National Partnership.  Mr. Tabata's expertise in agricultural engineering and dedication to public service and community will be assets to the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Lyle Tabata be appointed to the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

 

Glenn Hong

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Glenn Hong from the Agribusiness Development Corporation; Matson Navigation Company; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; Hawaii Farm Bureau; Island Grown Foods, Inc.; Maui County Farm Bureau; and two individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Hong's experience, knowledge, and leadership on the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation qualify him for reappointment to the Board.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Hong has been on the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation since 2021.  In addition to his current position, Mr. Hong served on the Board of Agriculture from 2012 to 2020.  Mr. Hong is also an active community member who served as Chair of the Hawaii Harbor Users Group, a member of the Hawaii Business Roundtable, and member of the Harbors 2050 Planning Study.  Mr. Hong's experience on the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation and background in community and government service will continue to be assets to the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Glenn Hong be reappointed to the Board of Directors 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 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