STATE HIGHLIGHTS ECONOMIC ROLE OF RESTAURANTS

September 17 - As part of the Administration's ongoing commitment to make Hawai`i more business friendly, Lt. Governor Aiona joined Governor Linda Lingle in celebrating two milestones for the Hawai`i Restaurant Association.

The Administration recognized the 60th anniversary of the association, whose members forecast $3 billion in sales this year and account for more than 84,000 employees, or roughly 13 percent of total employment in the state.

Also, the Administration praised the inaugural class of members inducted into the Hawai`i Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. This year's inductees were recognized for enhancing the restaurant and food service industry.

At the same time, the Administration called on restaurant owners to help the state by supporting local agriculture and products. They were also encouraged to play a bigger role in a statewide push to get residents to develop healthier eating habits.

"We're making a statewide commitment to combating obesity," Lt. Governor Aiona said. "We must all work together to eat healthier."