GOVERNOR’S WEST HAWAI`I COUNCIL OF ADVISORS TO MEET ON MARCH 8

For Immediate Release: March 3, 2006

KONA – The Governor’s West Hawai`i Council of Advisors will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 8, at 5:30 p.m. at the Kona Community Hospital, conference room.

The Council of Advisors’ guest speaker will be Tom Driskill, president and CEO of Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation, which oversees the state’s hospital system.  Mr. Driskill will give an update on the Kona Community Hospital as well as the West Hawai`i region.

“We look forward to having Mr. Driskill provide an update on health care in West Hawai`i, and we encourage the community to attend and ask questions,” said J. William Sanborn, chairman of the West Hawai`i Council of Advisors.

The Council of Advisors is tasked with providing the Governor with a list of short- and long-term issues and goals that should be addressed by state government.  The Council is also responsible for identifying spending priorities and potential new sources of revenue for the state, as well as recommending potential nominees from the neighbor islands to serve on state boards and commissions.

Members of the Governor’s West Hawai`i Council of Advisors are Beverly Byouk, Ocean View; Joanne Ralston, Kapaau; John Ray, Waimea; J. William Sanborn, Waimea; Phillip Reilly, Kohala; Douglas Carr, Hawi; Leina`ala Kihoi; Kona; Rick Vidgen, Kona; and Elaine Watai, Kona.

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

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For more information, contact:
Andy Smith         
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