With all the talk about sustainability in Hawai'i, one can't ignore the growing need to diversify our economy. On both the state and the local level, this has been a mantra among political leaders — and rightly so. Diversification is necessary if we are to create a competitive and sustainable job growth in our state.

This week, members of the City Council will have a chance to do their part by approving a resolution that would help bring a dual-use technology center to O'ahu. This is a fast-growing sector within the high-tech industry that includes: information and communication technology; sustainable technologies, such as renewable energy and environmental technologies; and life sciences, such as digital medical arts.

Recently, the federal Economic Development Agency invited Enterprise Honolulu to apply for a $150,000 grant to help fund its proposed dual-use technology center in Honolulu, which would be a joint venture with the city. The invitation followed a lengthy review process, which more or less guarantees the approval of the grant.

On Wednesday, the City Council will vote on whether to match that grant with city funds.

Among the resolution's critics is Council Chairwoman Barbara Marshall, who questions the city's role in economic development. "It's more appropriate for DBEDT (Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism)," she said.

True, the state must lead the way when it comes to economic diversification, but that does not absolve local government from playing a role where possible.

Honolulu is home to 80 percent of the businesses in the state, and yet similar technology centers exist only on Maui and Kaua'i — both of which are expanding due to their success.

Marshall points out that the state already has a technology incubator. But according to Alex McGehee, executive vice president of Enterprise Honolulu, that facility in Mililani Park was a result of bad timing and bad location. "They couldn't get any tech companies interested because it was out there and they wanted access to other companies," he said. "They want to be near the urban core."

Enterprise Honolulu and the city would use the grant money for planning and exploring possible sites, something McGehee says will be key to its success.

A diversified economy would allow our future generations to remain in their home state, if they so choose, by providing them with higher-paying job opportunities that they otherwise would seek on the Mainland.

Surely that's worth $150,000.