STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3565

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 586, 768

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 586 and 768, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Commission on Water Resource Management

 

G.M. No. 586

MICHAEL BUCK,

for a term to expire 06-30-2023; and

 

G.M. No. 768

NEIL HANNAHS,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Michael Buck and Neil Hannahs for service on the Commission on Water Resource Management.

 

MICHAEL BUCK

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Michael Buck from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Aha Moku Advisory Committee, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Board of Water Supply, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, and two individuals. 

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Michael Buck's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Commission on Water Resource Management.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Buck was active in managing Hawaii's priority forested watershed and advocating for forest stewardship and recovery for twenty-seven years.  From 1977 to 2004, Mr. Buck served in the Department of Land and Natural Resources as a State Forester and Wildlife Director, Natural Area Reserves Coordinator and Resources Management Forester, and Resource Survey Forester for the Division of Forestry and Wildlife.  From 2004 to 2014, Mr. Buck was the Sustainable Forests Representative for the National Association of State Foresters.  Presently, Mr. Buck is a farmer in Waimanalo.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Buck has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in water and forest conservation will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Commission on Water Resource Management.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Buck be appointed to the Commission on Water Resource Management based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public.   

 

NEIL HANNAHS

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Neil Hannahs from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Aha Moku Advisory Committee, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Board of Water Supply, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Kualoa Ranch, Merriman's Restaurants Ponoholo Ranch Limited, and nine individuals. 

 

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Neil Hannahs' experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Commission on Water Resource Management qualify him for reappointment to the Commission on Water Resource Management.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Hannahs has dedicated over forty years of service in developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating educational services designed to improve the capability and well-being of Hawaiian beneficiaries.  Mr. Hannahs has thirty-three years of executive level experience working with Kamehameha Schools.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Hannahs has served on the Commission on Water Resource Management since 2016.  Mr. Hannah's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Commission on Water Resource Management.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Hannahs be reappointed to the Commission on Water Resource Management based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

 


     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,

 

 

 

____________________________

KAIALI'I KAHELE, Chair