STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1694

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2001

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 261

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land, Energy and Environment, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 261, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

MOLOKAI IRRIGATION SYSTEM WATER USERS ADVISORY BOARD

GEORGE W. MAIOHO and THOMAS DECOURCY, for terms to expire June 30, 2003;

RICHARD WHEELER, for a term to expire June 30, 2004; and

ROBERT M. GRANGER, Ph.D., and JOSEPH C. WAMPLER, for terms to expire June 30, 2005,

begs leave to report as follows:

Upon review of the testimony and the statements submitted by the nominees, your Committee finds that George W. Maioho, Thomas Decourcy, Richard Wheeler, Robert M. Granger, and Joseph C. Wampler have the necessary character, experience, and qualifications to serve on the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board.

Testimony in support of all the nominees was received from the Department of Agriculture.

George W. Maioho, Ranch Manager for Kupualei Ranch, represents the Hawaiian Homes Commission on the Board. A former police officer, he has been with the ranch since 1979. Mr. Maioho is also a director of Hikiola Cooperative, Lokahi Pacific, Na Puuwai, Inc., and Molokai Livestock Cooperative.

Thomas Decourcy, Manager of Holdens Foundation Seeds, Inc., represents non-homestead farmers. He is secretary of the Molokai Farm Bureau and a member of the Hawaii Crop Improvement Association. Mr. Decourcy serves as an advisory committee member to Molokai Community College and is a member of the Molokai Chamber of Commerce.

Richard Wheeler, Owner and Manager of Molokai Plumerias, represents Hikiola Cooperative on the Board. A farmer and beekeeper, Mr. Wheeler is also a member of the Farm Bureau and is active in school and church organizations on Molokai.

Robert M. Granger, Ph.D., Research Location Manager for Cargill Hybrid Seed, represents the Molokai Farm Bureau. He holds a doctorate in plant breeding and genetics and joined the company in 1973. Dr. Granger is an active member in numerous professional and community organizations as well.

Joseph C. Wampler, a retired farmer, represents the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands homestead farmers. He is also a past President and current Vice President of the Soil Water Conservation District.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, Energy and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, character, 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, Land, Energy and Environment,

____________________________

LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair