Departure of Sharon Hurd Leaves Cabinet Position Open
The recent resignation of Sharon Hurd, a long-serving agriculture official, has created a vacancy in Gov. Josh Green's Cabinet. Hurd, who announced her departure just before Green's reelection, had been with the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity for nearly 20 years.
Hurd's tenure was marked by numerous challenges, including invasive species, agricultural crimes, and natural disasters, yet she was praised for her support of family farmers. She played a crucial role in increasing funding for biosecurity, overseeing changes to the department's infrastructure, and managing tens of thousands of acres of ranch land.
However, her time in office was not without criticism, particularly regarding the implementation of biosecurity measures and alleged protection of the plant trade.
Search for New Leadership
With Hurd's resignation, the state faces a leadership vacuum in agriculture. The Department is also seeking a deputy director and the Hawai‘i Agribusiness Development Corp. is actively hiring a new executive director.
Sen. Tim Richards, a rancher and veterinarian, expressed his respect for Hurd and acknowledged her efforts to set the department on the right track. He noted that the position of agriculture director is often unappreciated and underfunded, yet crucial to the state's food security.
The governor's office will soon begin the search for a new state director, with Dean Matsukawa, a third-generation farmer and longtime state employee, serving as acting director until the end of the year. Matsukawa, who had previously retired, returned to lead the department's loan division before taking on the deputy role.