MEDIA RELEASE

The Governor’s West Hawaii Community Advisory Council meets Wednesday, March 11 at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority Gateway Center in Kailua-Kona. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. 

Ted Peck, energy administrator, Strategic Industries Division from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism will discuss the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s work to achieve energy independence through the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI). 

The HCEI, a partnership between the State of Hawaii and the U.S. Department of Energy, in collaboration with Hawaiian Electric companies, the business and academic sectors, the Legislature, the counties, the military and the community, seeks to move Hawaii toward having 70 percent of its energy use come from clean energy sources by 2030. 

“The governor encourages the public to attend the meeting and share any concerns or suggestions they may have regarding efforts to develop solutions to increase Hawaii’s energy independence, especially innovative ways to utilize the Big Island’s abundant supply of renewable energy sources,” said Andy Smith, the governor’s West Hawaii liaison.  

Gov. Linda Lingle created community advisory councils to give the neighbor islands a stronger voice in state government. The West Hawaii Community Advisory Council holds monthly public meetings to seek community input and advise the Governor of important issues and recommendations for state boards and commissions. 

Members of the Governor’s West Hawaii 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 Kapaau; 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 councils of advisors, including meeting minutes and agendas, visit the governor’s Web site at www.hawaii.gov/gov.