GOVERNOR'S WEST HAWAI`I COMMUNITY ADVISORY COUNCIL TO MEET ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 9

For Immediate Release: July 2, 2008

HONOLULU – The Governor’s West Hawai‘i Community Advisory Council will meet on Wednesday, July 9, at the NELHA (Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i Authority) Gateway Center, at 73-4460 Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway #101, in Kailua-Kona. The public meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.

Guest speaker Laura H. Thielen, director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), will update the community on DLNR’s initiatives to protect and enhance natural and cultural resources in West Hawai‘i and around the state, including new legislation passed this legislative session to strengthen enforcement of Hawai‘i’s environmental laws.

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 councils of advisors, 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: 327-4953

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

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