STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3890
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 645, 646, 647
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 645, 646, and 647, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:
Kane'ohe Bay Regional Council
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G.M. No. 645 |
JOSEPH PICKARD for a term to expire 06-30-2029; |
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G.M. No. 646 |
JARRETT MACHADO for a term to expire 06-30-2029; and |
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G.M. No. 647 |
ELENA BRYANT for a term to expire 06-30-2029, |
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Joseph Pickard, Jarrett Machado, and Elena Bryant for service on the Kaneʻohe Bay Regional Council.
JOSEPH PICKARD
Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Joseph Pickard from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Koʻolau Foundation.
Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Pickard's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment to the Kaneʻohe Bay Regional Council as a Kaneʻohe Bay commercial operators member. During the course of Mr. Pickards's career, he has gained broad experience and knowledge about marine operations and environmental management. Your Committee notes that Mr. Pickard owns and serves as President for three companies. Since 1989, Mr. Pickard has run Sea Hawaii, Inc., providing eco-marine tours, marine sampling, and ocean transport services, and Mr. Pickard incorporated Environet in 1995 to provide further environmental engineering and remediation services. In 2003, Mr. Pickard acquired Community Planning and Engineering, a civil engineering firm that has contracted with the State for decades, and founded the Native Hawaiian Community Development Corporation to provide STEM-based educational and career opportunities for Native Hawaiians. Previously, Mr. Pickard served as an Officer in the United States Coast Guard and maintained leadership roles and memberships on multiple Hawaii‑based organizations focused on environmental, community, and research initiatives. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Pickard has served as an interim member of the Kaneʻohe Bay Regional Council since 2025 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Joseph Pickard be appointed to the Kaneʻohe Bay Regional Council based on his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.
JARRETT MACHADO
Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Jarrett Machado from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Machado's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Kaneʻohe Bay Regional Council as a Kahaluʻu Neighborhood Board representative member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Machado worked for fifteen years in landscape management, environmental stewardship, and operations management before his current role of second Vice Chair of the Kahaluʻu Neighborhood Board. Mr. Machado is also a lifelong resident of Kaneʻohe Bay and a lineal descendant of Kahaluʻu. Previously, Mr. Machado was a field inspector with the then named Department of Agriculture, gaining relevant experience in bay resource management and conservation. Due to his active involvement on the Kahaluʻu Neighborhood Board, where Mr. Machado represents Subdistrict 3, your Committee finds that Mr. Machado has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members, and your Committee believes his extensive experience in practical environmental knowledge and operational leadership will enhance the effectiveness of the Kaneʻohe Bay Regional Council. Your Committee therefore recommends that Jarrett Machado be appointed to the Kaneʻohe Bay Regional Council based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.
ELENA BRYANT
Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Elena Bryant from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Earthjustice, and Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi.
Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Bryant's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify her for appointment to the Kaneʻohe Bay Regional Council as a Kaneʻohe Neighborhood Board Representative member. During the course of Ms. Bryant's career, she has gained broad experience and knowledge in Native Hawaiian and environmental law. Your Committee notes that Ms. Bryant has worked as an attorney since 2016, regularly representing client groups and community organizations in complex litigation surrounding Native Hawaiian and environmental issues. Previously, Ms. Bryant served as a law clerk for state and federal judges and graduated cum laude from the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law with additional certificates in Environmental and Native Hawaiian Law. Ms. Bryant is also an active member in her community, currently serving as a member of the Koʻolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club and Environmental Committee Chair and Planning Committee Co-Chair for the Kaneʻohe Neighborhood Board. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Bryant has served as an interim member of the Kaneʻohe Bay Regional Council since 2025 and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Elena Bryant be appointed to the Kaneʻohe Bay Regional Council based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts,
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____________________________ CHRIS LEE, Chair |
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