STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3866

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 617

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

Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity

G.M. No. 617

JASON MONIZ 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 Jason Moniz for service on the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Jason Moniz from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; McCandless Ranch; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; Hilo County Farm Bureau; Parker Ranch, Inc.; Triple S Livestock LLC; First Gate Farms; KEALIA RANCH; Kapapala Ranch; Oahu Cattlemen's Association; and seventeen individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Moniz's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity as an at-large member. Your Committee notes that Dr. Moniz is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and an experienced livestock veterinarian and cattle rancher. Dr. Moniz served as a Veterinary Program Manager for the Animal Disease Control Branch of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity from 1990 to 2022, at which point he retired. Prior to that, Dr. Moniz worked as a field veterinary medical officer on Molokai and was a veterinarian in private practice on Kauai. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Moniz has been an active member in his profession, having served in leadership roles within the Hawaii 4H Livestock Association and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc., where he oversaw statewide efforts to strengthen the local livestock industry and biosecurity protections. Your Committee finds that Dr. Moniz has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in agriculture and veterinary medicine will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Your Committee therefore recommends that Jason Moniz be appointed to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity 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