KAUA`I- It is time to ride the wave of “together we can” energy that was produced by both the national and local elections in an action and collaboration-oriented Kaua`i-Roundtable, on Thursday, November 20th, from 5:30p - 8p at the Memorial Convention Hall, with presentations beginning at 6p.

This Kaua`i-Roundtable will focus on government, business, and community partnership in an effort to move us towards a more sustainable Kaua`i. With economic, energy, and climate uncertainties facing our world, we must come together to determine and work towards the best, most sustainable courses of action.

Hugh O’Reilly, the Mayor of Whistler from 1994 – 2006, will start off the evening with a discussion of how diverse sectors of the community teamed to create one of the world’s best models for sustainability. He will touch upon some of Whistler’s main areas of success, including solid waste management, transportation, financial sustainability, conservation lands, watershed protection, energy efficiency, preserving indigenous culture, comprehensive sustainability planning, and, most importantly, how government, business, and community worked together to achieve their vision.

Following O’Reilly, government officials, including representatives from the newly elected administration and council, and business and community leaders, will speak to sustainability challenges and opportunities. Additionally, we’ll hear about sustainability planning initiatives taking place, and wrap up with a panel discussion including audience participation. The goal of this Kaua`i-Roundtable is to more clearly identify the vision for a sustainable Kaua`i and how government, business, and community can better collaborate to get there.

As always, there will be an opportunity for organizations to host table displays, post events, and network from 5:30-6. If it is within your means, please also bring a donation for the Food Bank, as holidays are the toughest time for many of our island’s families.

Panel Speakers:
Hugh OʻReilly - Mayor of Whistler, 1994-2006
Beth Tokioka - Office of Economic Development
Neil Clendenin - Lihuʻe Business Association
Sue Kanoho - Kaua`i Visitors Bureau
Glenn Hontz – Kaua`i Community College and Kaua`i Food Forum
Followed by a panel discussion including audience participation.

About Kaua`i-Roundtable

The Kaua`i-Roundtable is a network open to all those interested in the environmental, economic, cultural, and social sustainability of Kaua`i. The network hosts a quarterly meeting, which serves as a public forum for individuals and organizations to share information, grow partnerships, and take action on issues. The meeting also serves as a clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities and upcoming events. The public is encouraged to come listen, learn and participate.

For more information, please contact Andrea Brower at (808) 828-0685 or by e-mail at andreamalamakauai.org">andreamalamakauai.org, or visit www.ecoroundtable.org