Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Gubernatorial Nominee, DEAN OKIMOTO, for a term to expire 06-30-2028.

2025 Regular Session

Bill GM 587 confirms Dean Okimoto to the Agribusiness Development Corporation Board, enhancing leadership to support Hawaii's agribusiness sector until June 2028.

Confirmed. Ayes, 24. Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) Fevella).

#boardofdirectorsoftheagribusinessdevelopmentcorporation

Bill Information

Bill Number: GM 587

Title: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Gubernatorial Nominee, Dean Okimoto, for a term to expire 06-30-2028.

Status: Confirmed

Vote Outcome: Ayes: 24, Noes: 0, Excused: 1 (Senator Fevella)

Introduced: January 23, 2025

Classification: Proclamation

Subject: Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill GM 587 is to confirm the gubernatorial nomination of Dean Okimoto to the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) in Hawaii. This nomination is significant as it aims to ensure that the ADC is led by qualified individuals who can effectively support and promote the state's agribusiness sector.

Key Provisions

Nominee: Dean Okimoto is nominated to serve on the ADC's Board of Directors.

Term Duration: The term for the nominee will expire on June 30, 2028.

Confirmation Process: The bill outlines the process for the Senate's consideration and confirmation of the nominee, which includes public hearings and committee recommendations.

Legislative Actions

January 23, 2025: Bill GM 587 was introduced and referred to the Agriculture and Environment Committee (AEN).

February 19, 2025: The bill was re-referred to the Economic Development and Technology Committee (EDT).

February 24, 2025: A public hearing was scheduled for February 27, 2025.

February 27, 2025: The EDT committee recommended advising and consenting to the nomination with a unanimous vote.

April 8, 2025: The bill was reported from the EDT with a recommendation for confirmation.

April 10, 2025: The Senate confirmed the nomination with a vote of 24 Ayes and no opposition.

Impact

The confirmation of Dean Okimoto to the ADC Board is expected to have a positive impact on the agribusiness sector in Hawaii. The ADC plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural development, and having a qualified board member like Okimoto can enhance the effectiveness of the corporation in addressing the challenges faced by the industry.

Conclusion

Bill GM 587 successfully confirmed Dean Okimoto's nomination to the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corporation, ensuring that the board is equipped with experienced leadership until June 30, 2028. This confirmation reflects the state's commitment to fostering a robust agribusiness environment.

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