STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3844

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 615

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. 615, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Advisory Committee on Pesticides

G.M. No. 615

MATTHEW LYUM for a term to expire 06-30-2029,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Matthew Lyum for service on the Advisory Committee on Pesticides.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Matthew Lyum from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Brendon Lau Agricultural, LLC; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; National Association of Landscape Professionals; Simonpietri Enterprises LLC; Sperber Landscape Companies; and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Lyum's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides as a landscape professional member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Lyum has been the owner of Performance Landscapes since 2002 and the owner of Erosion Control Specialists LLC since 2013. Mr. Lyum and additionally works as a Principal for M.L.C. International LLC, where he serves as a technical consultant for organic waste management operations and sustainable technologies. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Lyum is an active member in his profession, and is currently the President of the Landscape Industry Council of Hawaii, where he regularly fosters productive dialogue between a wide range of stakeholders, including contractors, arborists, pesticide applicators, nurseries, landscape architects, researchers, and golf course operators. Additionally, Mr. Lyum was recognized as an industry leader by the National Association of Landscape Professionals in March 2024 and was selected to represent the profession at the Hawaiʻi Strategy for Pesticide Consultation Workshop hosted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Your Committee finds that Mr. Lyum has served previous terms on the Advisory Committee on Pesticides and his extensive experience in professional landscaping will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the committee. Your Committee therefore recommends that Matthew Lyum be appointed to the Advisory Committee 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