GOVERNOR LINGLE RENEWS HAWAI`I MEMBERSHIP IN PACIFIC BASIN DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
For Immediate Release: January 23, 2004
Hawai`i partners with U.S. Pacific Islands in regional leadership role
HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle announced today Hawai`i will rejoin the Pacific Basin Development Council (PBDC) after a seven-year absence in the regional organization. The Governor informed the PBDC leaders of the decision to renew Hawai`i’s membership in the organization during a Governors meeting today which was attended by PBDC President Juan N. Babauta, governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Togiola T. Tulafono, governor of American Samoa. Governor Felix Camacho of Guam, who also serves on the PBDC governing board, was not able to attend today’s meeting.
Hawai`i’s re-entry into the PBDC gives the state a visible, active role in addressing regional economic and social development concerns of the Pacific Islands.
“Hawai`i is linked geographically, culturally and economically with our fellow U.S. Pacific Islands, so it’s critical that we work together to foster partnerships that address our common regional concerns,” said Governor Lingle. “Rejoining the Pacific Basin Development Council will enable Hawai`i to take a leadership role alongside our Pacific neighbors to determine the future of the region.”
The PBDC was established by the governors of American Samoa, Guam, Hawai`i and CNMI in 1980 to address emerging regional economic and social development issues of the Pacific Islands. The organization, headquartered in Honolulu, is the only regional body in the U.S. Pacific that addresses a wide range of issues, including developing economic opportunities for Pacific Island residents, creating balanced and sustainable development, and promoting community capital to build on the strengths and values of the people of the American Pacific.
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For more information, contact:
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-7705
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043
