STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3832

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 696

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 696, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Advisory Board on Pesticides

G.M. No. 696

JAMES FALCONER for a term to expire 06-30-2030,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by James Falconer for service on the Advisory Board on Pesticides.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of James Falconer from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Synergistic Hawaiʻi Agriculture Council, Nainoa Hawaii LLC, Heavenly Hawaiian Farms, Maui Coffee Association, Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative, Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association, Maui County Farm Bureau, and seven individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Falconer's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Advisory Board on Pesticides as a coffee industry member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Falconer has more than forty years of experience in the fields of plant sciences and production agriculture and has been the President and Owner of MauiGrown Coffee Inc. since 2003. Previously, Mr. Falconer was the Executive Vice President of the Pioneer Mill Company and Kaanapali Estate Coffee where he oversaw the closure of the Pioneer Mill Company's sugar operation and the development of the Kaanapali Estate Coffee operation. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Falconer is an active member in his industry and serves with the Hawaii Coffee Growers Association as State Board President. Your Committee finds that Mr. Falconer has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in coffee production will enhance the effectiveness of the Advisory Board on Pesticides. Your Committee therefore recommends that James Falconer be appointed to the Advisory Board on Pesticides 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