STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3596

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 641

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 641, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Agriculture

G.M. No. 641

EN YOUNG, for a term to expire 06-30-2021,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by En Young for service as a member of the Board of Agriculture.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of En Young from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Food Industry Association, a Hawaii County Councilmember, and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Young's background and desire to serve his community qualify him for appointment to the Board of Agriculture. Your Committee notes that Mr. Young was previously hired as the Executive Director of The Food Basket, Inc. and as a contract, performance, and evaluation administrator of the Office of Community Services, where he supervised the U.S. Department of Agriculture Emergency Food Program and the Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program. Mr. Young currently works as the General Manager of Sensei Holdings, Inc., where he is building a team to staff a modern hydroponic farm on Lanai. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Young has served as the Chair of the Hawaii Alliance of Non‑Profit Organizations, Director of the Hawaii Public Health Institute, and Director of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Young has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of board members and his background and perspective, especially in new agricultural technologies, will enhance the effectiveness of the Board of Agriculture. Your Committee therefore recommends that Mr. Young be appointed to the Board of Agriculture based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

____________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair