Every year around this time, a new flock of graduating seniors prepare for the next chapter of their lives: college.

For some, that means facing a bigger campus here at home. But for many others, it means packing their belongings and going off to the Mainland. No doubt, the adventure of being far away from home, starting fresh in a different place, and meeting new friends are part of what makes college a great experience. And for those who have never been off the Island, this is just the type of journey that will help them become well-rounded, worldly adults.

But before they board their planes, it would be nice to know that there's something to come back home to, if they so choose: a diverse economy with high-paying jobs. Part of our state's economic success in the future will depend on keeping our best and brightest here at home.

Fortunately, there have been efforts to do just that. The Kama'aina Come Home program brings back an estimated 2,000 to 5,000 people a year. The program includes events held in Mainland cities to recruit skilled former Hawai'i residents and an ongoing voluntary database of kama'aina who are already out of state who may want to return.

The state should continue and expand these efforts, as well as attract and retain more high-tech companies.

That would be the best graduation gift Hawai'i can give the Class of 2007.