GOVERNOR LINGLE ANNOUNCES ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR EAST HAWAI`I
For Immediate Release: July 19, 2003
HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle said today the neighbor islands will have a stronger voice in state government as she announced the formation of the Governor’s East Hawai`i Advisory Committee. The advisory committee will hold monthly public meetings to seek community input and advise the Governor of important issues, budget priorities, and recommendations for state boards and commissions. The first meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2003, University of Hawaii at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili Street, room UCB 127.
The members of the Governor’s East Hawai`i Advisory Committee are Kenneth Ah Lo; Andres “Andy” Baclig; Glenn Kagamida; John K. Kai; Alton M. Okinaka; Lorraine M Stahr; Barry Taniguchi; Lillian “Pua” Tokumoto; and Carol A. VanCamp. Governor Lingle also appointed Alton Okinaka to be the chair of the committee.
“The first responsibility of the committee is to listen to the community, and I am confident Alton and the other members will ensure East Hawai`i’s concerns are heard and brought to my administration’s attention,” said Governor Lingle. Earlier this year, the Governor invited members of the community interested in serving on the advisory committee to submit their resumes.
“I promised to establish advisory committees to give the neighbor islands a stronger voice and to help restore trust and integrity to government by opening up the process,” said Governor Lingle, who has strong ties to the neighbor islands as a former resident, councilmember and mayor of Maui County.
“I know first-hand the difficulty of having your concerns heard and addressed by decision-makers who live on another island. These committees will provide an opportunity for people to be heard and to tell government what is important to them. They are a direct link to my administration and it will help government better serve the public,” added the Governor.
The committee is made up of nine members and the Governor’s East Hawai`i Liaison, who will serve as a non-voting, ex-officio member.
In addition to East Hawai`i, advisory committees have been established for Kaua`i, Maui, West Hawai`i. Committees for Moloka`i and Lana`i are also being formed.
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Contact:
Andy Smith
East Hawai`i Liaison
Phone: 974-6262
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-0034
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0034
