STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3845

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 777

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

Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity

G.M. No. 777

SUZANNE SHRINER for a term to expire 06-30-2030,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Suzanne Shriner for service on the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Suzanne Shriner from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Kona Coffee Farmers Association; Hawaii Coffee Growers Association; Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association; Maui Coffee Association; Isla Custom Coffees LLC; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Island Harvest Inc.; Puna Flower Power Cooperative; Monarch Coffee; Orchid Growers of Hawaiʻi; A Coffee Farm; Hawaii Tropical Flower Council; Hawaii Coffee Association; Kanalani Ohana Farm; and eleven individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Shriner's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be appointed to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity as a member representing the island of Hawaiʻi. Your Committee notes that Ms. Shriner has over twenty years of experience in the coffee and tropical agriculture industry. Ms. Shriner currently works as the Administrator for Synergistic Hawaii Agriculture Council and is the President and Co-Owner of Lions Gate Farms, a coffee and macadamia nut farm in Kona. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Shriner is an active member in her community and serves as a board member with the Hawaii Coffee Association, advocating for farmers and assisting in their agribusiness development. Additionally, Ms. Shriner conducts research that is critical to the agriculture industry statewide, successfully publishing research regarding integrated pest management methods to mitigate the impact of the coffee berry borer on Hawaii's coffee industry. Your Committee finds that Ms. Shriner has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and her extensive experience in agriculture will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Your Committee therefore recommends that Suzanne Shriner be appointed to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity based on her 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