GOVERNOR LINGLE CREATES NEIGHBOR ISLAND ADVISORY COUNCILS; SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
For Immediate Release: May 11, 2005
HONOLULU – Building on the successful base created by four neighbor island advisory committees established when she first entered office, Governor Linda Lingle has issued an executive order to establish six temporary neighbor island advisory councils that will help the Lingle-Aiona Administration identify issues of importance to each island, recommend ways to improve state government and enhance the quality of life for all residents. This order also creates councils on the islands of Moloka`i and Lana`i. The Governor invites neighbor island residents to apply to serve as volunteers on the advisory councils.
The Governor’s Neighbor Island Council of Advisors for West Hawai`i, East Hawai`i, Maui, Moloka`i, Lana`i and Kaua`i will be tasked with providing the Governor with a list of short- and long-term issues and goals that should be addressed by state government over the next one-, two- and five-year periods. The advisory councils will also identify spending priorities and potential new sources of revenue for the state, as well as recommend potential nominees from the neighbor islands to serve on state boards and commissions. The councils will hold monthly public meetings and seek comments from residents.
“As a former Maui County mayor and councilmember, I know first-hand how critical it is for the neighbor islands to have a strong voice in state government,” said Governor Lingle. “For the past two years, the advisory committees have provided our Administration with valuable input on issues that are important to residents and businesses on the neighbor islands. The monthly advisory committee meetings help open the government process by providing residents a forum to ask questions and raise concerns about state government activities and legislation. The recommendations from the advisory committees are helping our Administration better serve the public.”
The advisory councils for West Hawai`i, East Hawai`i, Maui and Kaua`i will each consist of nine members appointed by the Governor, while the Moloka`i and Lana`i councils will each have five members. To the extent possible, the councils will include individuals with expertise in business, education, native Hawaiian issues, social services, arts and culture, energy, agriculture and the environment. The members will serve as volunteers and will receive no compensation, but will be entitled to reimbursements for related expenses while attending the meetings and carrying out the council’s responsibilities. The Governor’s neighbor island liaison will assist each council in carrying out their functions.
“I appreciate the dedication of all the individuals who have served on neighbor island advisory committees. I encourage anyone who wants to make a difference in their community to apply to serve on their island’s new advisory council,” said Governor Lingle.
Residents who are interested in serving on the advisory council for their respective island should submit a letter and resume to the appropriate liaison office by Friday, May 27. Moloka`i and Lana`i residents should send resumes to the Governor’s office in Honolulu. Current members will be required to re-apply. Resumes can be sent to:
EAST HAWAI`I – HILO
Liaison: Andy Smith
75 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Phone: (808) 974-6262
Fax: (808) 974-6263
E-mail – hilogov@hawaii.gov
WEST HAWAI`I – KONA
Liaison: Sharron L. Ackles
75-5722 Kuakini Highway
Kuakini Tower, Suite 215
Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i 96740
Phone: (808) 327-4953
Fax: (808) 327-4952
E-mail – konagov@hawaii.gov
MAUI
Liaison: George N. Kaya
2264 Aupuni Street, #1
Wailuku, Hawai`i 96793
Phone: (808) 243-5796
Fax: (808) 243-5049
E-mail – mauigov@hawaii.gov
KAUA`I
Liaison: Laurie L. K. Yoshida
3060 Eiwa Street, #106
Lihu`e, Hawai`i 96766
Phone: (808) 274-3100
Fax: (808) 274-3103
E-mail – kauaigov@hawaii.gov
MOLOKA`I AND LANA`I
Office of the Governor – Liaison Office
Hawai`i State Capitol, Executive Chambers
Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813
Phone: (808) 586-0034
Fax: (808) 586-0019
E-mail – Charen.Ching@hawaii.gov
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For more information, contact:
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-7708
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043
