STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3954

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 694

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 694, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Board of Agriculture

G.M. No. 694

NATHANIEL OSWALD, 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 Nathaniel Oswald for service on the Board of Agriculture.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Nathaniel Oswald from the Department of Agriculture; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau Molokai Chapter; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Molokai Chamber of Commerce; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; Hawaii Crop Improvement Association; and eight individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Oswald's knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Board of Agriculture as a member at-large pursuant to chapter 26-16(a), Hawaii Revised Statutes. Your Committee notes that Mr. Oswald moved to Molokai over twenty-four years ago and has over thirty years of experience in agriculture, specializing in crop nursery management. He is the owner of Oswald Nursery Management LLC, a local business that provides consulting and management services to agriculture operations, since 2017. According to testimony received by your Committee, Mr. Oswald has been certified by the Department of Agriculture as a Pesticide Applicator for the past ten years. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Oswald is active in the community, including service as the President of the Hawaii Farm Bureau's Molokai Chapter for the last eight years, member of the Maui Economic Development Board, and member of the Steering Committee for the Maui County Department of Agriculture. Mr. Oswald has also been a member of the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board since his appointment in 2021. His knowledge and experience in various aspects of agriculture and agriculture support industries, along with his perspective as a farmer from a neighboring island, will be an asset to the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Nathaniel Oswald be appointed to the Board of Agriculture based on his knowledge, background, and desire to serve the public.

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