Appointments, reappointments to boards, commissions announced by governor

Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green recently announced several appointments and reappointments to three state boards and commissions.

Each of the panel members bring deep experience in water resource management, ethics, agriculture and community development to critical areas of state service.

Commission on Water Resource Management

Moses Kalei Nahonoapiʻilani Haia III was appointed to Commission on Water Resource Management, pending Hawaiʻi Senate confirmation.

Haia brings nearly 30 years of experience as an attorney focused on the protection and lawful management of Hawaiʻi’s public trust resources.

Throughout his career, his work has been extensively on cases involving water, land and natural resource stewardship, ensuring agencies fulfill their responsibilities in accordance with state law.

Haia’s legal background and deep understanding of Hawaiʻi’s public trust doctrine equip him to help guide thoughtful, balanced decision-making on the state’s most precious and limited water resources.

Juanita Reyher-Colon also was appointed to the state Water Resource Management Commission, pending Senate confirmation.

Reyher-Colon serves as executive director of Hawaiʻi Rural Water Association, where she leads statewide efforts to strengthen water and wastewater systems serving small, rural and underserved communities.

With more than two decades of experience in water system operations, workforce development, emergency preparedness and source water protection, she brings a community-centered and culturally grounded approach to water governance.

Reyher-Colon serves as a commissioner on Maui County Board of Water Supply as well and has had national leadership roles with American Water Works Association.

“Water is life in Hawaiʻi, and protecting it requires legal rigor and respect for our public trust responsibilities,” said Green in an announcement about the board appointments. “Moses Haia brings decades of experience holding institutions accountable. Juanita Reyher-Colon brings deep, practical knowledge of water management and a strong commitment to resilient systems for the future.”

Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity

Jason Moniz was appointed Nov. 28 to Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity.

Moniz is a veterinarian and Hawaiʻi Island cattle rancher who retired after 38 years with Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture’s Animal Industry Division, where he managed the Animal Disease Control Branch.

He is also vice president of Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council and has been active with Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau and 4-H Livestock Council.

“Jason Moniz brings unmatched institutional knowledge of animal health, agriculture and biosecurity in Hawaiʻi,” Green said in his announcement. “His experience in the field and in public service will help safeguard our agricultural economy and food systems.”

Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission

Moya Davenport Gray was appointed to a 4-year term on Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission, succeeding outgoing Commissioner Beverley Tobias.

Gray is a retired attorney with more than three decades of public service, including leadership of Hawaiʻi Office of Information Practices, executive nonprofit leadership and working as a state Senate committee attorney for Judiciary and Ways and Means.

She also served on Hawaiʻi Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Commission and is a longtime advocate for transparency, accountability and good governance.

“Moya Gray’s career reflects a deep commitment to ethics, transparency and public trust,” Green said in his announcement. “Her legal expertise and decades of service across state government make her exceptionally well-suited to help uphold the integrity of Hawaiʻi’s public institutions.”