STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3801

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NOS. 837, 838, 839

 

 

 

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. 837, 838, and 839, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Natural Area Reserves System Commission

 

G.M. No. 837

JAY PENNIMAN,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024;

 

G.M. No. 838

ARTI CLARK,

for a term to expire 06-30-2024; and

 

G.M. No. 839

DONALD DRAKE,

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 Jay Penniman, Arti Clark, and Donald Drake for service on the Natural Area Reserves Commission.

 

JAY PENNIMAN

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Jay Penniman from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Maui Invasive Species Committee, Ponoholo Ranch Limited, and nine individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Penniman's experience and background in wildlife biology and conservation qualify him for appointment to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission as a member possessing scientific qualifications as evidenced by an academic degree in wildlife or marine biology.  Mr. Penniman is the Project Manager for the Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project at the University of Hawaii, Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit.  He also works as a Natural Resources Consultant, doing forestry, wildlife, and vegetation surveys, management, and assessment, since 1989.  Mr. Penniman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Sciences from Portland State University, with an emphasis on Wildlife Biology and Native American Studies.  He has published several articles and has given presentations on pacific seabird conservation and management.  Mr. Penniman is also actively involved in various local nonprofits, such as Save our Seabirds Maui and the Kaho'olawe Island Faunal Restoration Working Group.  Your Committee further notes that Mr. Penniman's experience will provide a diverse and unique perspective to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Penniman be appointed to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission based on his knowledge and desire to contribute to the community.

 

ARTI CLARK

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Arti Clark from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and twelve individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Clark's experience and background in tropical forestry and endangered species qualify her for appointment to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission as a member possessing scientific qualifications as evidenced by an academic degree in Ecology.  Ms. Clark is currently employed as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist by the United States Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where she provides scientific, technical expertise and collaborates with private landowners, non-governmental organizations, and the State of Hawaii to protect over one hundred seventy federally-listed threatened or endangered species.  Ms. Clark earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology with honors from the University of Hawaii, Hilo, with a major in Conservation Biology, Evolution, and Ecology and a minor in Tropical Forestry.  Your Committee further finds that Ms. Clark has served on the Natural Area Reserves System Commission as a member representing Kauai since 2016.  Ms. Clark's experience and knowledge will be assets to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ms. Clarke be appointed to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission based on her background, experience, and commitment to public service.

 

DONALD DRAKE

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Donald Drake from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and two individuals.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Drake's experience and background in plant ecology qualify him for appointment to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission as a member possessing scientific qualifications as evidenced by an academic degree in wildlife or marine biology.  Dr. Drake is currently employed as the Associate Director of the School of Live Sciences at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  Dr. Drake earned a doctorate in Botany from the University of Hawaii, a Master of Science degree in Botany from Ohio University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, summa cum laude, from the Florida Institute of Technology.  He is a highly-respected botanist with expertise in plant ecology, especially reproductive ecology that influences plant population, which is highly relevant to plant conservation in Hawaii.  His recent work has focused on how changes in animal communities that participate in seed pollination, dispersal, and predation affect plant recruitment from seed.  Dr. Drake has been actively involved in various botanical conservation organizations, such as the Laukahi:  The Hawaii Plant Conservation, Society for Island Biology, and the Hawaii Rare Plant Restoration Group.  Your Committee further notes that Dr. Drake's experience will provide a diverse and unique perspective to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Dr. Drake be appointed to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission based on his knowledge, experience, and desire to contribute to the community.

 

     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