EAST HAWAI`I BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTEES, ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS SWORN-IN

For Immediate Release: September 9, 2003

HILO, HAWAII – Fifteen East Hawai`i residents appointed by Governor Linda Lingle to serve on various state boards and commissions as well as nine members of the Governor’s East Hawai`i Advisory Committee were officially sworn in today at a ceremony held at the State Office Building in downtown Hilo.  Circuit Court Judge Ronald Ibarra presided over the ceremony and issued the official oath of office to the East Hawai`i appointees.

“Serving on a state board or commission is one of the best ways for concerned citizens to participate in helping to improve the quality of life in Hawai`i,” said Governor Lingle, who attended today’s swearing-in ceremony.  “My administration relies on each of these boards and commissions to get input from a broad cross section of residents who bring diverse expertise and experience from different sectors of our community.  I am especially pleased that many East Hawai`i residents are represented on these important boards and commissions,” the Governor added.

Also during today’s ceremony, nine voting members of the Governor’s East Hawai`i Advisory Committee were sworn in.  Governor Lingle created advisory committees to provide Neighbor Island residents with a stronger voice in state government.  The advisory committees hold monthly public meetings to seek community input and advise the Governor of important issues, budget priorities, and recommendations for state boards and commissions.  Advisory committees have been established for East Hawai`i and West Hawai`i, Maui and Kaua`i.  Committees for Lana`i and Moloka`i are currently being formed.

Upon taking office in December 2002, Governor Lingle invited interested residents to apply to be on a board, commission, or advisory committee.  The Governor’s office received more than 1,100 resumes from individuals willing to serve the public.  Statewide, the Governor has appointed 313 people to serve on 146 boards and commissions.

The Office of the Governor oversees 146 boards and commissions that are established by the state constitution, state statutes, or executive orders.  For more information or to apply to serve on a board or commission, visit the Governor’s Web site at http://www.hawaii.gov/gov/team/boardscommissions.html or send an email to gov.boards@hawaii.gov. 

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For more information, contact:
Andy Smith
East Hawai`i Liaison
Phone: (808) 974-6262

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-7705

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043