GOVERNOR LINGLE ESTABLISHES ECONOMIC MOMENTUM COMMISSION ON LONG-TERM PROSPERITY FOR HAWAI`I
For Immediate Release: June 7, 2005
HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today announced she is convening a 31-member Economic Momentum Commission to perpetuate the economic vitality the state has experienced over the past two-and-a-half years. The goal of the Commission is to develop an action plan that sustains the state’s current economic momentum over the long-term, avoids the traditional peaks and valleys of economic cycles, and enhances Hawai`i’s natural and cultural resources.
“While the state today enjoys a robust and vibrant economy bolstered by the lowest unemployment in the nation, strong job creation, increasing personal income and record low bankruptcies, now is the time to take the necessary steps to keep our economy strong and moving forward,” said Governor Lingle. “We have the opportunity to plan for the future by developing meaningful economic policies which will enhance our quality of life, protect the state’s fragile environment and natural resources, and perpetuate Hawai`i’s unique culture and lifestyle. In particular, we want to ensure all of our residents share in the prosperity everyone has worked so hard to develop, while at the same time strengthening the economic foundation for the next generation.”
The bipartisan commission includes the Senate President and Speaker of the House, as well as leaders from Maui, Kaua`i, the Big Island and O`ahu who represent small and large businesses, labor unions, non-profit social agencies, environmental and cultural organizations, educational institutions, government and the military. The Commission will be chaired by Don Horner, president and chief executive officer of First Hawaiian Bank.
“We have a robust economy today, but we know from our own recent history that economies run in cycles,” said Horner. “We also know that not all of our fellow citizens are benefiting. The Commission will seek practical steps to assure a healthy economy that creates opportunities for our citizens and improves our unique quality of life.”
The Commission will focus on three primary areas:
New Job Creation. While the state continues to post the lowest unemployment in the nation and close to 31,000 new jobs have been created in the past two-and-a-half years, the Commission will focus on fostering the kind of economic environment that can create higher paying jobs and new career opportunities.
Creating a 21st Century Workforce. One of the objectives of the Commission will be to identify ways to ensure residents across the state, including Hawai`i’s youth, are prepared to compete here at home and in the global workplace. The Commission will identify ways to invest in Hawai`i’s citizens by creating opportunities for enhanced education, workforce training, and job skills development.
Improving Our Quality of Life. One of the overarching objectives of the Commission will be to balance growth with the need to preserve Hawai`i’s unique quality of life. The commission will focus on expanding efforts to improve housing, healthcare, transportation, and social services. The commission will emphasize responsible, managed growth that enhances the lifestyle of all our residents and takes into account our culture, environment, and the specific needs of the different islands and communities throughout Hawai`i.
The Commission will develop a plan that will include specific actions that can be taken immediately to further strengthen our current economic foundation, as well as solutions that will be implemented over time to meet new challenges and capitalize on future opportunities.
The Commission will hold its first meeting in the third week of June, during which members will examine Hawai`i’s economic cycles.
Members of the Economic Momentum Commission will include:
Don Horner, president and chief executive officer, First Hawaiian Bank (Chair of the Commission)
David Akina, president, Paradise Yellow Pages
Haunani Apoliona, chair, board of trustees, Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Elias Beniga, financial advisor, Merrill Lynch, and chair of the Filipino Centennial Celebration Commission
Stanley Brown, vice president Pacific Island and Japan, Marriott International
Robert Bunda, president, Hawai`i State Senate
Suzanne Case, executive director, The Nature Conservancy of Hawai`i
Robin Danner, president and chief executive officer, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
Mitch D’Olier, chief executive officer, Kane`ohe Ranch
Admiral Thomas B. Fargo, retired, U.S. Navy, and CEO Trex Systems International
Lynn Finnegan, House Minority Leader, State House of Representatives
Fred Hemmings, Senate Minority Leader, State Senate
Georgina Kawamura, state budget and finance director
Gregory Kim, founder and partner, Vantage Counsel LLC
Dee Jay Mailer, chief executive officer, Kamehameha Schools
Geri Marullo, president and chief executive officer, Child & Family Service
Susan Matsushima, president, Alluvion Farms
Dr. David McClain, interim president, University of Hawai`i
Nolan Moriwaki, business manager and finance secretary/treasurer, Masons and Plasterers Union
Dayton Nakanelua, state director, United Public Workers Union
Marcus Oshiro, majority leader, State House of Representatives
Dr. Virginia Pressler, vice president, Hawai`i Pacific Health Services
Harry Saunders, president, Castle & Cooke Hawai`i
Calvin Say, speaker, Hawai`i State House of Representatives
Myles Shibata, chief operating officer and vice president, Kawailoa Development
Jeanne Skog, president and chief executive officer, Maui Economic Development Board
Kelvin Taketa, president and chief executive officer, Hawai`i Community Foundation
Barry Taniguchi, president and chief executive officer, KTA Super Stores
Dr. Rose Tseng, chancellor, University of Hawai`i-Hilo
Lucien Wong, senior vice president, Actus Lend Lease LLC
One additional member to be named
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For more information, contact:
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043
Linda Smith
Senior Advisor – Policy
Phone: (808) 586-5330
Don Horner
Chief Executive Officer
Phone: (808) 525-6160
