COUNCIL OF NEIGHBOR ISLAND ADVISORS - WEST HAWAI`I
The Council of Neighbor Island Advisors - West Hawai`i helps the Lingle-Aiona Administration identify issues of importance to the community and recommends ways to improve state government and enhance the quality of life for all Hawai`i residents. The Council 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 Council of Neighbor Island Advisors - West Hawai`i
Governor Linda Lingle appointed nine volunteers to serve on the Council of Neighbor Island Advisors - West Hawai`i. The members include individuals with expertise in business, education, native Hawaiian issues, social services, arts and culture, energy, agriculture and the environment.
Council of Neighbor Island Advisors – West Hawai‘i
Jon Adams – Realtor; owner Mothers Antiques and Fine Cigars; founder, North Kohala Merchants Association; member, Lions Club of Kohala and Aloha Temple Shriners.
Glennon Gingo – Realtor, commercial sales; chairman – West Hawai‘i Fisheries Council. Past experience: aquatics consultant, executive director, Kona Family YMCA; senior program director, YMCA of San Francisco; associate director of health enhancements and aquatics, YMCA of Santa Clara.
Estela Halverson – President, Kona Outdoor Circle Education Center. Past experience: high school principal, teacher, Los Angeles Unified School District; president, Kona Outdoor Circle; president, Kona Adult Day Center.
Rodney Ito – General manager Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa; member Big Island Visitors Bureau, Kona Kohala Resort Association, Habitat for Humanity.
Gunner Mentch – Owner, Harbor Gallery; Kawaihae; vice chair South Kohala Traffic Safety Committee; Kawaihae Local Resource Council. Past experience: Superferry Advisory Board.
Rick Vidgen (chair) – CEO, Big Island Carbon, agribusiness consultant. Past experience: realtor; president, MacFarms of Hawai‘i; sales and marketing consultant, RAM Group; business management, Colonial Sugar Refining (Australia and New Zealand).
Elaine Watai – Outreach coordinator, Salvation Army Family Intervention Services; community coordinator, Kealakehe Community Association; founder of Kealakehe Neighborhood Watch. Past experience: supervisor Alu Like Youth Programs; Keauhou Beach Hotel, Polynesian Adventure Tours.
Public Meetings
The Council of Neighbor Island Advisors - West Hawai`i holds public meetings on the second Wednesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. Guest speakers from the community, including members of the Governor’s cabinet, provide the Council with updates on issues of interest and concern. The public is invited to attend the meetings, provide testimony and ask questions.
* The Council of Neighbor Island Advisors - West Hawai`i was in recess from April 2007 - August 2007.
For more information about the Council of Neighbor Island Advisors - West Hawai`i, contact:
Andy Smith
West Hawai`i Liaison
75-5722 Kuakini Highway
Kuakini Tower, Suite 215
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone: (808) 327-4953
(808) 327-4854
Fax: (808) 327-4952
