STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3937

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 648, 691

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. 648 and 691, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Legacy Land Conservation Commission

G.M. No. 648	MICHAEL BUCK for a term to expire 06-30-2029; and
G.M. No. 691	KIM FALINSKI 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 Michael Buck and Kim Falinski for service on the Legacy Land Conservation Commission.

MICHAEL BUCK

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Michael Buck from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Buck's background and dedication to serving the public qualify him to be appointed to the Legacy Land Conservation Commission. Mr. Buck has attained over four decades of leadership experience in natural resource management, including serving as Administrator of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife of the Department of Land and Natural Resources and as a member of the Commission on Water Resource Management. Mr. Buck drafted major environmental legislation enacted on the state and national levels, and internationally, Mr. Buck represented the United States four times at the United Nations Forum on Forests. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Buck maintains leadership positions with many nonprofit organizations, including the Malama Honua Public Charter School Foundation, Seagull Early Education Schools, National Association of State Foresters Foundation, and Aloha Foundation. Your Committee finds that Mr. Buck has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members, and his extensive expertise in natural resource management will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Legacy Land Conservation Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Michael Buck be appointed to the Legacy Land Conservation Commission based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

KIM FALINSKI

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Kim Falinski from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and seven individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Falinksi's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be reappointed to the Legacy Land Conservation Commission. Your Committee notes that Ms. Falinski has worked as a scientist for The Nature Conservancy since 2015 and as an affiliate faculty member for the Water Resources Research Center of the University of Hawaii at Manoa since 2010. Her expertise in environmental science and engineering is further demonstrated through frequent scholarly publication, near-annual awarding of grants, and her success in owning and managing Nalo Meli Honey since 2007. Your Committee further notes that, in addition to participating in several environmental- and water-related associations within the State and nation, Ms. Falinski has served as a Commissioner on the Legacy Land Conservation Commission since 2022. Your Committee finds that Ms. Falinski's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Legacy Land Conservation Commission. Your Committee therefore recommends that Kim Falinski be reappointed to the Legacy Land Conservation Commission based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts 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 Water, Land, Culture and the Arts,

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CHRIS LEE, Chair