GOVERNOR HIGHLIGHTS TOP INITIATIVES AT WEST O`AHU CONFERENCE

At the 4th annual West O`ahu Conference, Governor Lingle delivered keynote remarks and highlighted her Administration's efforts to improve the quality of life for Hawai`i residents and their families.

"Development and decisions taking place now will define this region for generations," said Governor Lingle as she encouraged developers and community leaders present to coordinate their efforts to attain creative and smart growth.

West O`ahu comprises 21% of O`ahu's total population - 15% of the state's total population - and is growing more than twice as fast as the population in O`ahu and entire state.  The Governor discussed several key initiatives the state is leading to address this growth as well as her Administration's work to provide traffic relief, education and career opportunities, affordable housing, homeless solutions, and increased infrastructure.

"The Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) is doing what we in government like to talk about," Governor Lingle said.  "They are leading by example."

DHHL is partnering with community and private sector organizations to increase housing and commercial space in West O`ahu.  Projects include Kaupe`a, with 326 lots in the Villages of Kapolei; East Kapolei I, with 403 residential lots; and East Kapolei II, with 1,000 single-family residential units, 1,300 multi-family units and two school sites.   

"Government can accomplish a great deal; but the future of West O`ahu will be determined by you and your vision," Governor Lingle said as she thanked community leaders for their commitment to creating jobs, supporting high-quality education and to improving the quality of life for the people of Hawai`i.