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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE,WATER AND <br /> ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY <br /> DATE: February 5, 2013 Re: Comm. No. 90 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 1:17 pm <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability, to which was referred <br /> Comm. No. 90, reports as follows: <br /> Communication No. 90, transmitted by Mayor Billy Kenoi, dated January 11, 2013, nominates <br /> Francis L. Benevides, Jr. to a 3-year term on the Game Management Advisory Commission. <br /> Mr. Benevides is a lifelong resident of Hawai`i. From 1979 to 2011, he was employed by the <br /> Federal Aviation Administration as an engineering manager and technician. Mr. Benevides <br /> states that he is not affiliated with any political party. <br /> Executive Assistant to the Mayor Charmaine Shigemura introduced Mr. Francis L. Benevides, Jr. <br /> as the District 6 nominee for the Game Management Advisory Commission. <br /> Mr. Benevides was present in the Hilo Council Chambers and stated that he believes in <br /> subsistence hunting and is a strong advocate of conservation and that due to his volunteer work <br /> on Maui as a Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) law enforcement officer he <br /> understands both the rules and statues and the Hawai`i gathering rights of the people. Although <br /> he has never hunted, he stated that he has a vision of a special game management area where <br /> density is purposely increased to allow all types of hunting. In closing, he voiced his concern that <br /> the only way to get to the forest was with a new hunting license. <br /> Committee Chair Wille stated she appreciates Mr. Benevides view of a balanced voice for <br /> stewardship of habitat and game preservation and that he will help in problem solving as he has <br /> experience with various points of view. She further stated she supports access to the forest and to <br /> look for solutions on both a short term and long term basis. <br /> Council Member Ford thanked Mr. Benevides for his willingness to serve but stated she is <br /> concerned that his work as a DLNR officer might be a conflict of interest in his ability to serve <br /> on the Commission. <br /> AWESC Rept. No. 6 <br />