HANO and other Hawaii leaders seek boost in economy

Hawaii government, nonprofit and business leaders met on Dec. 12 for a special planning session, the Hawaii Economic Stabilization Initiative. The gathering, which was planned by the Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs, the Hawaii Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, the Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism and the Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii, was the first time so many leaders came together to talk about solutions for the ailing economy.

Among the proposals made by more than 50 leaders involved was a list of about $2 billion in public capital improvement and infrastructure projects that can be implemented within 12 to 18 months. At a press conference following the meeting, Ted Liu, director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, said state, county and private sector leaders have assembled a list of projects that already have funds set aside for them. Some also could qualify for federal funding.

These projects, said Liu, are already in the pipeline with a budget, and do not require environmental impact statements, but are simply held up by something as simple as a permit. He said they would include both new construction and renovation projects, for instance, fixing the leaky roof of a school, renovating hospitals, fixing bridges or improving roadways. The goal, said Liu, was to double the pace and expedite the permitting process.

William Kaneko, president and CEO of the Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs, said this initiative was a community-based approach that began as a brainstorming session with a small group of leaders on Nov. 7. It soon evolved to include government leaders at the county level, in addition to nonprofits, business and labor leaders.

Lisa Maruyama, president and CEO of the Hawaii Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations, said nonprofits are hurting in this down economy — some are on the brink of closing, some downsizing and some merging. Yet the services provided by nonprofits are needed more than ever during tough times.

Participants in the discussion included the governor, isle mayors, nonprofit leaders, labor leaders, the Department of Education and other state agencies. Further sessions are planned including a summit in January.