By Russell Pang

HONOLULU, HAWAII – Governor Linda Lingle has issued an executive order to establish six temporary neighbor island advisory councils that will help the Lingle-Aiona Administration identify issues of importance to each island, recommend ways to improve state government, encourage public participation and foster new ideas. The Governor invites neighbor island residents to apply to serve as volunteers on the advisory council.

The Governor’s Council of Neighbor Island Advisors for East Hawai‘i, West Hawai‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i and Kaua‘i will identify neighbor island issues and budget priorities, foster discussion on matters relating to clean energy initiatives to further the state’s progress on energy security as well as recommend potential nominees from the neighbor islands to serve on state boards and commissions. The advisory councils will hold public meetings and seek comments from residents.

“As a former Maui County mayor and councilmember, I understand how important it is for the neighbor islands to have a strong voice in state government,” said Governor Lingle. “For the past six years, the advisory councils have provided our Administration with valuable input on issues that are important to residents and businesses on the neighbor islands. The advisory council meetings provide the public with an opportunity to discuss local and state issues, raise concerns about state government and propose innovative solutions to challenges facing our communities.”

The advisory councils for East Hawai‘i, West Hawai‘i, Maui and Kaua‘i will each consist of seven members appointed by the Governor, while the Moloka‘i and Lana‘i councils will each have five members. To the extent possible, the advisory councils will include individuals with expertise in business, agriculture, education, native Hawaiian issues, social services, arts and culture, energy, and the environment. The members will serve as volunteers and will receive no compensation, but like other boards and commissions, they will be entitled to reimbursements for related expenses while attending the meetings and carrying out the advisory council’s responsibilities. The Governor’s neighbor island liaison will assist each council in carrying out their functions. The councils will be terminated on November 30, 2010.

“I appreciate the dedication of all the individuals who have served on neighbor island advisory committees. I encourage anyone who wants to make a difference in their community to apply to serve on their island’s new advisory council,” said Governor Lingle.

Residents who are interested in serving on the advisory council for their respective island should submit a letter and resume to the appropriate liaison office by June 30, 2009. Moloka‘i and Lana‘i residents should send resumes to the Governor’s office in Honolulu. Current members will be required to re-apply.

Resumes can be sent to:

• EAST HAWAI‘I – HILO Liaison: Marc Miranda 75 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 Phone: (808) 974-6262 Fax: (808) 974-6263 E-mail – hilogov@hawaii.gov 
• WEST HAWAI‘I – KONA Liaison: Andy Smith 75-5722 Kuakini Highway Kuakini Tower, Suite 215 Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740 Phone: (808) 327-4953 Fax: (808) 327-4952 E-mail – konagov@hawaii.gov 
• MAUI Liaison: George N. Kaya 2264 Aupuni Street, #1 Wailuku, Hawai‘i 96793 Phone: (808) 243-5796 Fax: (808) 243-5049 E-mail – mauigov@hawaii.gov 
• KAUA‘I Liaison: Laurie L. K. Yoshida 3060 Eiwa Street, #106 Lihu‘e, Hawai‘i 96766 Phone: (808) 274-3100 Fax: (808) 274-3103 E-mail – kauaigov@hawaii.gov 
• MOLOKA‘I AND LANA‘I Office of the Governor – Liaison Office Hawai‘i State Capitol, Executive Chambers Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813 Phone: (808) 586-0034 Fax: (808) 586-0019 E-mail – Charen.Ching@hawaii.gov