STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3846

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 616, 680

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. 616 and 680, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity

G.M. No. 616	EN YOUNG for a term to expire 06-30-2029; and
G.M. No. 680	MICHAEL FAYE 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 En Young and Michael Faye for service on the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity.

EN YOUNG

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of En Young from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Hilo County Farm Bureau; and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Young's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity qualify him for reappointment to the board as an at-large member. Your Committee notes that Mr. Young has a strong and diverse background in food systems, economic development, nonprofit leadership, and public administration, and currently works as the Director of Sustainable Industry Development for Kamehameha Schools. Mr. Young is also a Principal for Keʻei Consulting, LLC, which is a consulting firm dedicated to improving food systems in both the private and nonprofit sectors. At Kamehameha Schools, he is directly engaged in advancing local food systems, agriculture, and investment in locally-based industries. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Young is an active member in his community, and has served with the Hawaii Coalition on Immigrant Rights, Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute, and Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority, among many others. Mr. Young was initially appointed to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity in 2020 and your Committee finds that Mr. Young's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that En Young be reappointed to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

MICHAEL FAYE

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Michael Faye from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Mayor of the County of Kauaʻi; Office of Economic Development of the County of Kauaʻi; one member of the Kauaʻi County Council; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Kehaka Agriculture Association; Aloun Farm, Inc.; Na Alii Protection Services, LLC.; Kani Wildlife Control; ITC Water Management, Inc.; Kikiaola Land Co., Ltd.; and nineteen individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Faye's experience and desire to serve his community qualify him to be appointed to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity as a member representing the county of Kauai. Your Committee notes that Mr. Faye currently works as the Manager for Kekaha Agriculture Association where he oversees the nonprofit cooperative's agricultural infrastructure including hydroelectric plants, wells, reservoirs, and over fifty miles of various irrigation ditch and drainage systems. Previously, Mr. Faye was the President of Kikiaola Construction Co. and prior to that, served as Vice President and Manager of the Kikiaola Land Company, where he worked to transform Kauai's sugar plantation lands to arable land for corn production and helped develop the Waimea Plantation Cottages. Your Committee further notes that Mr. Faye has extensive community and public service experience, including prior service on the State Environmental Council and various Kauai community boards. Your Committee finds that Mr. Faye has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and his extensive experience in agricultural operations will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Your Committee therefore recommends that Michael Faye be appointed to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity based on his experience, background, and commitment to public service.

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