GOVERNOR'S EAST HAWAI`I COMMUNITY ADVISORY COUNCIL TO RECEIVE BRIEFING FROM STATE TOURISM LIAISON

For Immediate Release: May 15, 2008

HILO – The Governor’s East Hawai‘i Community Advisory Council will meet on Thursday, May 22, 5:30 p.m. in the Hawai‘i Innovation Center located at 117 Keawe St. in Hilo.  The public is invited to attend.

Marsha Wienert, state tourism liaison, will give a presentation on how the recent closures of Aloha Airlines and ATA, and the reduction of cruise ship port calls to Hilo are expected to affect tourism to Hawai‘i Island.  Wienert will also discuss the state’s efforts to assist affected employees and ensure continuity of service.  A question-and-answer period will follow her presentation.

Governor Linda Lingle created community advisory councils to give the neighbor islands a stronger voice in state government.  The East 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.

The members of the Governor’s Community Advisory Council are Ken Ah Lo, Andy Baclig, Julie Hugo, Alton Okinaka, Greg Ruhland, Norman Stahl, Carol VanCamp and Jennifer Zelko.

Anyone requiring special assistance or accommodations to participate at this meeting may call 974-6262.  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:

Dylan Nonaka
Governor’s East Hawai‘i Liaison
Phone:  974-6262

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