STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3847

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 511, 676

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 Nos. 511 and 676, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Moloka'i Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board

G.M. No. 511	HARRY PURDY III for a term to expire 06-30-2030; and
G.M. No. 676	DENISE KAWANO for a term to expire 06-30-2030,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Harry Purdy III and Denise Kawano for service on the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board.

HARRY PURDY III

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Harry Purdy III from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Association of Hawaiians for Homestead Lands, Hoʻolehua Homesteaders Association, and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Purdy's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board as a homestead farmer whose nomination has been recommended by Moku Puni O Molokaʻi. Your Committee notes that Mr. Purdy has been an active Hawaiian Homestead farmer since 1982 and remains a continued user of the Molokai Irrigation System for his agricultural operations. Mr. Purdy has demonstrated his institutional knowledge of homestead water rights through his advocacy for the Molokai Irrigation System extension in the 1980s and involvement in further advancing agricultural initiatives for Hawaiian Homesteads. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Purdy is an active member in his community and has held various leadership positions within the Hoʻolehua Homesteaders Association and as a member of the Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations, contributing significantly to strengthening both the cultural and economic foundations of Molokai's agriculture. Your Committee finds that Mr. Purdy has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in homestead agriculture will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Harry Purdy III be appointed to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

DENISE KAWANO

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Denise Kawano from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Kawano's experience, knowledge, and commitment to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board as a designee of the Molokai Farm Bureau. Your Committee notes that Ms. Kawano has been in the agriculture industry since 1988 and currently works as the General Manager for the Hikiola Cooperative, assisting agricultural producers with supplies and shipping operational management. Previously, Ms. Kawano gained extensive knowledge in the administrative and operational realities of agricultural supply chain management by working in operational positions for both Kawela Plantation and Cargill Seeds. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Kawano is an active participant in her community and is a member of both the Molokai Farm Bureau and Molokai Homestead Livestock Association. Your Committee finds that Ms. Kawano has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in agriculture management operations will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Denise Kawano be appointed to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board based on her knowledge, experience, and desire to serve the public.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment 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 Agriculture and Environment,

____________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair