HONOLULU – The governor's West Hawai'i Community Advisory Council will meet on March 12 at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai'i Authority Gateway Center, at 73-4460 Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway No. 101, Kailua-Kona. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.

Officials from the Departments of Transportation and Land and Natural Resources will update the council and community on the state's Kawaihae Harbor modernization plan. The improvements are part of the six-year, $824.1 million Harbors Modernization Plan, which includes $87.8 million in improvements for Kawaihae Harbor and $61.4 million for Hilo Harbor. Mike Formby, deputy director, DOT Harbors Division; and Ed Underwood, administrator, DLNR Division of Boating and Recreation will discuss the Kawaihae Harbor modernization plan and answer questions.

Gov. Linda Lingle created community advisory councils to give the neighbor islands a stronger voice in state government. The West Hawai'i Community Advisory Council holds monthly public meetings to seek community input and advise the governor of important issues, public priorities, and recommendations for state boards and commissions.

Members of the governor's West Hawai'i Community Advisory Council are Rick Vidgen, Estela Halverson, Lei Kihoi, Glennon Gingo, Dale Fergerstrom and Elaine Watai from Kona; Doug Carr from Waikoloa; Joanne Ralston from Kapa'au; and Beverly Byouk from Ocean View.