Lingle, speaking before more than 100 representatives from 16 countries, the United Nations and the European Union, said it's appropriate that the meeting is held in Hawai'i and that she hopes attendees will draw inspiration from the natural beauty and diversity of people in the state.

She shared the state's motto, Ua mau ke ea o ka 'aina I ka pono (The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness), saying that it "guides our people and it guides our government decisions, and it's a principle that can be applied around the world.

"Our state in this way is no different than the rest of the world as we face the pushes and pulls of economics, development, growing populations, technology," Lingle said. "Hawai'i, I am not proud to say, is the most oil-dependent state in America. ... We also have the highest utility rates anywhere in America, and the highest gasoline rates for transportation fuels. We also have many small islands, which means that we have an unconnected power grid, currently."

Lingle said other Pacific islands face similar obstacles and challenges, and that Hawai'i hopes to serve as a partner and perhaps even as a model for island countries and territories.

Lingle also touted some of the steps that have been taken in Hawai'i, including 2006 legislation that mandates greenhouse gas emissions be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020. She also discussed a partnership announced Monday between the state and the U.S. Department of Energy that officials said would put the state on a path to get 70 percent of its power from clean energy by 2030.

"The world is changing so rapidly, and we are committed in our state to lead by example," Lingle said. "By your countries and organizations attending this meeting, you also made a commitment to lead by example. Much of our progress in environmental issues today in our state is due to cooperation and collaboration.