STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3949

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 608, 609

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 608 and 609, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation

G.M. No. 608	JESSE COOKE, for a term to expire 06-30-2024; and
G.M. No. 609	JESSE COOKE, for a term to expire 06-30-2028,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Jesse Cooke for service on the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nominations for the appointment and reappointment of Jesse Cooke from the Department of Agriculture; Agribusiness Development Corporation; County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development; Ulupono Initiative; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; HIplan; Aloha Harvest; Hawaiʻi Investment Ready; Hawaiʻi Land Trust; Polipoli Farms LLC; The Food Basket Inc.; Slow Money Hawaii; Feed the Hunger Fund; North Shore Economic Vitality Partnership; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Commercial and Business Lending; Germinate by HIplan; Oahu Fresh; Hawaii Farming LLC; MetroGrow Hawaii LLC; Lanakila Pacific; Hawaiian Chip Company LLC; Pacific Gateway Center; Hawaiʻi Food Hub Hui; Hartung Brothers, Inc.; and twelve individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Cooke's professional experience, background, and desire to serve his community qualify him for consideration for appointment and reappointment to the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation as a member representing the City and County of Honolulu. Your Committee notes that Mr. Cooke has been a financial analyst for over twenty years and has an extensive background in investments, financial modeling, business lending, fundraising, research, and project development. Mr. Cooke has been serving as Vice President of Investments & Analytics for Ulupono Initiative since 2014, where he develops strategic initiatives to support projects and organizations that work to increase local food production. Your Committee finds that Mr. Cooke's involvement in Hawaii's agricultural industry, experience in the local food sector, and knowledge of financial matters and grants will aid in the decision-making process for the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation. Your Committee further finds that Mr. Cooke has been serving as an interim member of the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation and his knowledge and finance experience will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Jesse Cooke be appointed and reappointed to the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation based on his background, knowledge, and desire to contribute to the community.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism 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 nominations.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism,

____________________________

LYNN DECOITE, Chair