GOVERNOR'S WEST HAWAI`I ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING ON APRIL 13 TO PROVIDE UPDATE ON COQUI FROG CONTROL EFFORTS

For Immediate Release: April 8, 2005

KONA – The Governor’s West Hawai`i Advisory Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 at the Mayor’s Office, 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy., Suite 103, in Kailua-Kona.

Lyle Wong, plant industries administrator, and Neil Reimer, plant quarantine manager, both with the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture, will update the committee and residents on the state’s efforts to control the coqui frog.  Wong and Reimer will provide information on how residents can help prevent further spread of the invasive species.

Governor Linda Lingle created advisory committees to give the neighbor islands a stronger voice in state government. The Advisory Committee meets on the second Wednesday of the month to seek community input and advise the Governor on important issues in West Hawai`i, including budget priorities. The Committee also makes recommendations for state boards and commissions.

Members of the Governor’s West Hawai`i Advisory Committee are Beverly Byouk, Ocean View; Jason Ikaika Hauanio, Kona; Dr. Daryl Kurozawa, Kealakekua; Joanne Ralston, Kapaau; John Ray, Waimea; Sharon L. Sakai, Kona; Shirley Spencer, Kona; William Sanborn, Waimea; Rick Vidgen, Kona, and ex-officio member, Sharron Ackles, West Hawai`i Governor's Liaison.

Anyone requiring special assistance or accommodations to participate at this meeting may call 327-4953.  For additional information on neighbor island advisory committees, including past meeting minutes and agendas, visit the Governor’s Web site at www.hawaii.gov/gov. 

#####

For more information, contact:
Sharron Ackles  
West Hawai`i Liaison  
Phone: 327-4953

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043