STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1720

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 749, 750, 751

 

 

 

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. 749, 750, and 751, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Moloka'i Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board

 

G.M. No. 749

WILMA JOY,

for a term to expire 06-30-2017;

 

G.M. No. 750

WILMA JOY,

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

 

G.M. No. 751

COLETTE AUGUSTIRO,

for a term to expire 06-30-2019,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and finds Wilma Joy and Colette Augustiro to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated for appointment to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board.

 

WILMA JOY

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment and reappointment of Wilma Joy from the Department of Agriculture and one individual.

 

     Wilma Joy holds an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Maui Community College and a Bachelor's of Education in Secondary Education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  Ms. Joy has extensive experience as a Farmer at Joy Farm in Hoolehua from 1976 to 1995, and 2010 to present.  Ms. Joy was a Substitute Teacher from 2003 to 2007.  Ms. Joy is a founding and current member of the Hikiola Cooperative Board, and was previously a member of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Grant Review Advisory Committee, member and chair of the Molokai Irrigation Water User Advisory Board, member of the Molokai Water Working Group and Molokai Planning Commission, and founding member of the Na Puuwai Board.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Joy's experience, commitment to her community, and proven leadership further qualify her to be nominated for appointment and reappointment to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board representing homestead farmer users.  Testifiers commented that as a Hawaiian homestead beneficiary and former member of the Board, Ms. Joy has a keen understanding of the needs of the farmers on Molokai and how the irrigation system contributes to the self-sustainability of Native Hawaiian people.  Testifiers noted that the nominee's water system knowledge and familiarity with Hawaiian homelands will be an asset to the Board.  Ms. Joy indicated in her personal statement that as a farmer of a homestead parcel owned by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and served by the Molokai Irrigation System, she qualifies to fill the homestead farmer position on the Board.  Ms. Joy also noted her years of experience serving on boards and commissions and her lengthy background of involvement in water issues on Molokai starting in the 1970s.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Joy will be an asset to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board based on her background and experience and her ongoing commitment to public service and her community.

 

COLETTE AUGUSTIRO

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Colette Augustiro from the Department of Agriculture, Hikiola Cooperative, Monsanto Molokai, and three individuals.

 

     Colette Augustiro holds multiple Associate of Science degrees in Agriculture and is currently employed at Monsanto Molokai.  Ms. Augustiro is an active member of her community on Molokai, has previously served as Head Coach for the Molokai High School softball team and on the Kulaia Planning Committee, and volunteers at numerous community events and on various committees.

    

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Augustiro's knowledge, experience, and commitment to her community further qualify her to be nominated for appointment to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board representing nonhomestead farmer users.  Testifiers commented on Ms. Augustiro's expertise in agriculture, her leadership skills in many community activities, and her reputation as an honest and respected member of the Molokai community.  Testifiers noted that Ms. Augustiro brings dedication, skills, and energy to any task she takes on, and that her commitment to the community will be an asset to the Board.  Ms. Augustiro indicated in her personal statement that she is very familiar with the physical assets and operation of the Molokai Irrigation System, and the nonhomestead farmer users are well known to her, as she has enjoyed a direct working relationship with some of the nonhomestead farmers over the years.  Ms. Augustiro also noted her numerous, broad-ranging community service activities.  Your Committee further finds that the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board will benefit from the knowledge, experience, and extensive community service that Ms. Augustiro will bring to the Board.

 

     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