MEDIA RELEASE
In written testimony to the chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Sen. Malama Solomon expressed strong support for the appointment of Richard Ha to the state Board of Agriculture.
“The challenges that face the agricultural business in Hawaii are daunting,†Solomon said in written testimony. “This is why we need Richard Ha’s leadership. His community involvement has given him in-depth knowledge of how the government, public, and private sectors cooperation is necessary so we can decrease our dependency on imported food and increase our local food production.â€
Solomon also called to the committee’s attention the unfortunate, unwarranted and unfair scrutiny Ha received due to a targeted campaign to stop his reappointment.
“These falsehoods have targeted Mr. Ha’s pro-active positions and his strong avocation for the furtherance of geothermal energy development on the Island of Hawaii,†she wrote.
Solomon pointed out that geothermal energy development would reduce the electricity costs substantially and that it is key to accelerate local food production within the State.
Solomon called Ha an outstanding farmer and praised his holistic approach to agriculture.
The Senate Committee on Agriculture unanimously approved Ha’s appointment with many of the senators praising his leadership in agriculture and willingness to serve amidst unjustified public assaults on his integrity.
During discussion before decision making, one lawmaker said that the state is fortunate to have a man of his caliber in this position.
Richard Ha’s nomination will now go to the floor for a full vote by members of the state Senate.
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