GM 745

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1969

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 745

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 745, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Natural Area Reserves System Commission

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Thorne Abbott for service on the Natural Area Reserves System Commission.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Thorne Abbott from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii State Aha Moku, Hanalei Watershed Hui, Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, and two individuals. 

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Abbott's experience, knowledge, and proven leadership on the Natural Area Reserves System Commission qualify him for reappointment to the Commission as a member possessing scientific qualifications evidenced by an academic degree.  Your Committee notes that Mr. Abbott has a Masters of Science in Environmental Management and has more than twenty years of experience in coastal permitting in Hawaii and is proficient in coastal planning and Hawaii land use laws.  Mr. Abbott is active in the coastal management community and has served on the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Committee and Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Research Advisory Council.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Abbott has served on the Natural Area Reserves System Commission since 2021 and has previously served on the Legacy Land Conservation Commission, and therefore understands the role and responsibilities of commission members.  Mr. Abbott's experience and knowledge will continue to be assets to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Thorne Abbott be reappointed to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land 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 Water and Land,