GOVERNOR’S WEST HAWAI‘I COMMUNITY ADVISORY COUNCIL TO MEET ON JANUARY 16, 2008

For Immediate Release: January 9, 2008

HONOLULU – The Governor’s West Hawai‘i Community Advisory Council will meet on Wednesday, January 16, 2008, 5:30 p.m. at Konawaena High School Cafeteria, 81-1043 Konawaena School Road in Kealakekua, Hawai‘i. The meeting was originally scheduled in December but was postponed.  The public is invited to attend.

The State Department of Agriculture’s Neil Reimer, plant pest control manager, will address invasive species and other agriculture issues.  There will be time for questions and answers.

“The Governor encourages the public to attend to share any concerns or suggestions they may have regarding these important issues facing the Big Island and our entire state,” said Andy Smith, the Governor’s West Hawai‘i Liaison. 

Governor Linda Lingle created community advisory councils to give the neighbor islands a stronger voice in state government.  The West Hawai‘i Community Advisory Council holds monthly public meetings to seek community input and advise the Governor of important issues, public priorities, and recommendations for state boards and commissions.

Members of the Governor’s West Hawai‘i Community Advisory Council are Rick Vidgen, Estela Halverson, Lei Kihoi, Glennon Gingo, Dale Fergerstrom and Elaine Watai from Kona; Doug Carr from Waikoloa; Joanne Ralston from Kapa‘au; and Beverly Byouk from Ocean View.

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

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For more information, contact:

Andy Smith  
Governor’s Liaison – West Hawai‘i
Phone: (808) 327-4953

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

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