Senate panel advises and consents to Thorne Abbott for Natural Area Reserves commission

The Senate Committee on Water and Land on April 11 voted to advise and consent to the governor’s nomination of Thorne Abbott to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission for a term ending June 30, 2029.

The nomination drew brief remarks from Abbott and the committee chair, who thanked him for his service. Committee discussion noted Abbott's environmental planning background and his role in monitoring how mauka land use could affect marine reserves.

Several organizations filed written testimony in support of the nomination. Committee members praised Abbott’s prior service on NARS and expressed confidence in his continued work with the Department of Land and Natural Resources on habitat protection and reserve management.

The committee’s recommendation to advise and consent was adopted unanimously by the members present. The recommendation record shows the chair and vice chair voted aye; Senators Chang, McKelvey and Descartes recorded aye as well.

Abbott will serve on the commission through June 30, 2029; the committee did not specify additional conditions or amendments to the appointment.

The committee recessed after completing its consideration of several gubernatorial nominees and proceeded to other agenda items later in the session.