HONOLULU – The Governor’s West Hawai‘i Community Advisory Council will meet on Wednesday, December 10, 2008, at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i Authority (NELHA) Gateway Center, at 73-4460 Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway #101, in Kailua-Kona. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

The Governor’s West Hawai‘i Community Advisory Council will have an open discussion on priorities regarding state government in West Hawai‘i for the upcoming year. The Council will also discuss future meeting venues, community issues and guest speakers. Public testimony will also be welcomed.

“The Governor encourages the public to attend to share any concerns or suggestions they may have regarding state government and the issues that should be addressed in the new year,” said Andy Smith, the Governor’s West Hawai‘i Liaison.

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 community advisory councils, including meeting minutes and agendas, visit the Governor’s Web site at www.hawaii.gov/gov.