Q & A

Who are the members of the commission?
The bipartisan commission  includes representation from the State Administration; the Senate President and Speaker of the House and other legislative leaders;  and private-sector 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 EMC is chaired by Don Horner, president and chief executive officer of First Hawaiian Bank.

What areas will its work focus on?
The EMC has generated 15 challenge statements in three major areas:
1. Enhancing Quality of Life
2. Improving Employment, Education & Investment Opportunities
3. Upgrading Infrastructure and Reviewing Master Planning Process Within each of these major areas, several subcommittees are at work. Click here  to see the names of the subcommittees and their chairs.

What are the EMC's criteria for adopting "good ideas"/solutions?
To be considered by the committee, any proposed good idea must meet the following criteria:
1)  Practical; justified in the basis of cost/benefit; can be implemented in 6 years or less; measurable results.
2)  Likely to win public acceptance
3)  Leverages existing resources; doesn't create new bureaucracy
4)  Fits within Hawaii as a "special place"
5)  Addresses the majority of the population
6)  Has a "champion" to advance the proposal toward a goal.

What is the EMC's timetable for completing its work?
July 8, 2005 - At the EMC's first organizational meeting, members agreed upon a scope of work, committee and subcommittee structure and chairs, criteria of ideas and a timetable, including time for public reaction and input.

July 8 - early September, 2005 - Committees and subcommittees meet to:
* Agree upon a statement summarizing the "challenge" in each subject-matter area and
* Generate "good ideas"/solutions for the full EMC to consider in each area.

Mid-September, 2005 - The full EMC will hold a second meeting to:
* Discuss solutions proposed by each committee.
* Agree upon which solutions will be taken out to the public to solicit comment and reaction.
* Adopt a detailed plan for soliciting public input.  

Mid-September to mid-November, 2005 - Public input phase.  Through the Internet (e-mail) and public meetings throughout the state, the EMC will solicit public feedback to its initial list of proposed solutions.

Late November, 2005 - The final EMC meeting will prioritize and vote upon a final list of "good ideas"/solutions that will be recommended by the commission.