STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1687

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 718, 719

 

 

 

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. 718 and 719, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Natural Area Reserves System Commission

 

G.M. No. 718

GLENN BAUER,

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

 

G.M. No. 719

SCOTT ROWLAND,

for a term to expire 06-30-2021 (board name amended to Natural Area Reserves System Commission by GM743),

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by the nominees and find Glenn Bauer and Scott Rowland to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission.

 

GLENN BAUER

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Glenn Bauer from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Sierra Club Of Hawaii, and one individual.

 

     Glenn Bauer received a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of Redlands and a Master of Science degree in Geology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  Mr. Bauer has been self-employed as a Geologist since 2011, and prior to that was a Sr. Geologist at Mink & Yuen, Inc., from 2005 to 2011, Hawaii State Geologist at the Commission on Water Resource Management from 1999 to 2005, Geologist at the Commission on Water Resource Management from 1990 to 1999, and Geologist-Hydrologist at the Honolulu Board of Water Supply from 1970 to 1990.  Mr. Bauer holds a Geologist license from Washington State, and is a member of numerous professional organizations.

 

     Your Committee finds that the nominee has extensive experience applicable to serving on the Natural Area Reserves System Commission as a person possessing scientific qualifications as evidenced by an academic degree, as specified in section 195-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes.  Testifiers commented on Mr. Bauer's extensive experience with the hydrology of the islands in his work as a Geologist-Hydrologist and participation in relevant boards and committees.  The nominee indicated in his personal statement his desire to help Hawaii's natural environment from his perspective as a geologist and a life-long resident of the islands.  The nominee also noted his extensive geologic and hydrologic fieldwork experience throughout the Hawaiian Islands and remote locations, and decades of observational experiences relevant to the work of the Commission.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Bauer has the education, knowledge, and experience to serve effectively on the Natural Area Reserves System Commission.

 

SCOTT ROWLAND

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Scott Rowland from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Sierra Club Of Hawaii, and four individuals.

 

     Scott Rowland received a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Oregon State University and a Ph.D. in Geology & Geophysics from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  Since 2004, Dr. Rowland has been an Associate Specialist and then Specialist in the Department of Geology & Geophysics at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  Previously, Dr. Rowland was a Geologist for Dames & Moore, Instructor at Windward Community College, Laboratory Technician at United States Geological Survey, Geologist for Smith-Evernden Associates, and Instructor in the Department of Geology & Geophysics at the University of Hawaii.  Dr. Rowland has also published numerous academic articles in his field.

 

     Your Committee finds that the nominee has the required membership, experience, and background to serve on the Natural Area Reserves System Commission as an individual possessing membership in a hiking organization organized in the State, pursuant to section 195-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes.  Testifiers commented that Dr. Rowland has been a long-time member of the Sierra Club of Hawaii, and was one of the first leaders of the Hawaii Service Trip Program through the Hawaii Chapter of the Sierra Club, leading university-age students on summer trail building projects around the State.  Dr. Rowland indicated in his personal statement that he was previously on the Commission from 2001 to 2009, as the geological representative, and he would once again be proud to serve on the Commission and help in efforts to protect the ecosystem.  Dr. Rowland's specific goals while serving on the Commission include increasing the number of hiking trails and campsites in non-natural area reserve state lands to provide more opportunities for people to experience the outdoors and become better stewards of the environment, and working with other members of the Commission to establish one or more geological Natural Area Reserves.  Your Committee finds that Dr. Rowland has the experience, knowledge, and background to successfully serve as the hiking organization member on the Natural Area Reserves System 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