For Immediate Release: May 3, 2004
DBEDT Release News 04-13

Honolulu--The U.S. Small Business Administration has named Pearl Imada Iboshi, the state's chief economist and head of the DBEDT Research Division, as small businesses' top research advocate on Oahu for 2004. The award is in recognition of the Division's effort to provide small business with data, information and advice important to the success of this key sector of the economy.

"This award is a reflection of Pearl's accomplishments and her expertise in economic research and analysis, as well as the work of our entire dedicated research staff," said DBEDT director Theodore E. Liu. "Providing small business in Hawaii with the data and information they need to grow and prosper is one of our most important services, and Pearl and her team are doing an outstanding job."

Imada Iboshi has served as the state's chief economist since 1995. She has been a member of the Council on Revenues since 1997. During the 2003-2004 legislative session, Imada Iboshi served as deputy policy advisor to Governor Linda Lingle. After graduating from Hilo High School, she received her Bachelors Degree from Grinnell College in Iowa, Masters Degree from Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo, and Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii in economics. Before moving to her current position, Imada Iboshi worked as a research fellow at the East West Center specializing in international trade and economic development of Southeast Asia.

The Research and Economic Analysis Division (READ) produces and distributes a number of business information products including the State of Hawaii Data Book, census information through its State Data Center and economic and tourism research reports geared to business users. In addition to its regular reports, since September 11, 2001, READ has been providing the public with information on daily passenger counts. One of READ's core programs, the DBEDT Library, responds to about 5,000 requests for data and information assistance each year. The division currently also maintains the bulk of the content on the DBEDT website at http://www.hawaii.gov/dbedt.

READ's State Data Center has sponsored numerous hands-on, computer-training workshops for small businesses and others to help them access valuable census marketing information on the DBEDT and U.S. government websites.

For more information, contact:
Dave Young
Communications
Phone: (808) 587-1212
Email: dyoung@dbedt.hawaii.gov