Small Business News
July 2005 | Online Edition
Governor Creates Economic Momentum
Commission on Long Term Prosperity
Governor Linda Lingle on June 7 announced she is convening a 31-member Economic Momentum Commission to perpetuate the economic vitality the state has experienced over the past two-and-a-half years. The goal of the Commission is to develop an action plan that sustains the state ‘s current economic momentum over the long-term, avoids the traditional peaks and valleys of economic cycles, and enhances Hawai`i ‘s natural and cultural resources.
“While the state today enjoys a robust and vibrant economy bolstered by the lowest unemployment in the nation, strong job creation, increasing personal income and record low bankruptcies, now is the time to take the necessary steps to keep our economy strong and moving forward, “ said Governor Lingle. “We have the opportunity to plan for the future by developing meaningful economic policies which will enhance our quality of life, protect the state’s fragile environment and natural resources, and perpetuate Hawai`i ‘s unique culture and lifestyle. In particular, we want to ensure all of our residents share in the prosperity everyone has worked so hard to develop, while at the same time strengthening the economic foundation for the next generation. “
The bipartisan commission includes the Senate President and Speaker of the House, as well as leaders from Maui, Kaua‘i, the Big Island and O‘ahu who represent small and large businesses, labor unions, non-profit social agencies, environmental and cultural organizations, educational institutions, government and the military. The Commission will be chaired by Don Horner, president and chief executive officer of First Hawaiian Bank.
The Commission will focus on three primary areas: (1) New Job Creation. While the state continues to post the lowest unemployment in the nation and close to 31,000 new jobs have been created in the past two-and-a-half years, the Commission will focus on fostering the kind of economic environment that can create higher paying jobs and new career opportunities. (2) Creating a 21st Century Workforce. One of the objectives of the Commission will be to identify ways to ensure residents across the state, including Hawai‘i ‘s youth, are prepared to compete here at home and in the global workplace. The Commission will identify ways to invest in Hawai‘i ‘s citizens by creating opportunities for enhanced education, workforce training, and job skills development. (3) Improving Our Quality of Life. One of the overarching objectives of the Commission will be to balance growth with the need to preserve Hawai‘i ‘s unique quality of life. The commission will focus on expanding efforts to improve housing, healthcare, transportation, and social services. The commission will emphasize responsible, managed growth that enhances the lifestyle of all our residents and takes into account our culture, environment, and the specific needs of the different islands and communities throughout Hawai‘i.
The Commission will develop a plan that will include specific actions that can be taken immediately to further strengthen our current economic foundation, as well as solutions that will be implemented over time to meet new challenges and capitalize on future opportunities.
The Commission held its first meeting in the third week of June, during which members examined Hawai‘i ‘s economic cycles.
Members of the Economic Momentum Commission will include: Horner; David Akina, president, Paradise Yellow Pages; Haunani Apoliona, chair, board of trustees, Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Elias Beniga, financial advisor, Merrill Lynch, and chair of the Filipino Centennial Celebration Commission; Stanley Brown, vice president Pacific Island and Japan, Marriott International; Robert Bunda, president, Hawai‘i State Senate; Suzanne Case, executive director, The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i; Robin Danner, president and chief executive officer, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement; Mitch D ‘Olier, chief executive officer, Kane‘ohe Ranch; Admiral Thomas B. Fargo, retired, U.S. Navy, and CEO Trex Systems International; Lynn Finnegan, House Minority Leader, State House of Representatives; Fred Hemmings, Senate Minority Leader, State Senate; Georgina Kawamura, state budget and finance director; Gregory Kim, founder and partner, Vantage Counsel LLC; Dee Jay Mailer, chief executive officer, Kamehameha Schools; Geri Marullo, president and chief executive officer, Child & Family Service; Susan Matsushima, president, Alluvion Farms; Dr. David McClain, interim president, University of Hawai‘i; Nolan Moriwaki, business manager and finance secretary/treasurer, Masons and Plasterers Union; Dayton Nakanelua, state director, United Public Workers Union; Marcus Oshiro, majority leader, State House of Representatives; Dr. Virginia Pressler, vice president, Hawai‘i Pacific Health Services; Harry Saunders, president, Castle & Cooke Hawai‘i; Calvin Say, speaker, Hawai‘i State House of Representatives; Myles Shibata, chief operating officer and vice president, Kawailoa Development; Jeanne Skog, president and chief executive officer, Maui Economic Development Board; Kelvin Taketa, president and chief executive officer, Hawai‘i Community Foundation Barry Taniguchi, president and chief executive officer, KTA Super Stores; Dr. Rose Tseng, chancellor, University of Hawai‘i-Hilo; Lucien Wong, senior vice president, Actus Lend Lease LLC. One additional member is to be named.
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