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Senate AEN committee confirms En Young to Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity
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Summary
The Senate AEN Committee voted to advise and consent to En Young’s nomination to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity after supporters highlighted his Lanai agricultural experience and the nominee described priorities on food security, scaling and workable grant structures.
The Senate AEN Committee on March 4, 2026, advised and consented to the nomination of En Young to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity (term to 06/30/2029).
Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity chair Sharon Hurd praised Young’s decision-making experience and noted his work with Lanai agriculture and nonprofit food programs. Brian Miyamoto of the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Nicole Galassie of the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council testified in strong support, pointing to his institutional purchasing experience and industry leadership.
Young told the committee he was willing to answer questions and described Sensei Ag’s rapid scaling on Lanai as enabled by private capital, acknowledging that public grants and government funding often come with different ‘‘strings.’’ He urged careful capital stacking so private and public funds do not conflict and recommended training and staffing in government to help new farmers realistically budget operating expenses.
When asked how the board could strengthen food security, Young emphasized making agricultural land productive and accommodating new production models, saying the board should “go out there, continue to listen, continue to see what folks are doing, bring that to the board and make room not only for what is there, but for some of the newer models.”
Committee members voted in favor; the chair’s recommendation to advise and consent was adopted.
