Senator J. Kalani English elected

The Kaselehlie Press
Thursday, 10 July 2008

HONOLULU – Hawai'i State Senator J. Kalani English (District 6 - Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i and Kaho'olawe) has been elected president of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures (APIL), a voluntary organization representing twelve states from around the Pacific. The first Hawai'i legislator elected to lead APIL, Senator English previously served two terms as the association's vice president.

"It is an honor to be selected by my colleagues to serve as president of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures," English said. "We are looking at a number of areas of mutual interest where regional cooperation, coordination, exchange and assistance can help our individual governments achieve important goals through collective action. I'm pleased that Hawai'i will play a role in these efforts, and that I will have an opportunity to contribute to helping improve the lives of our Pacific Island neighbors."

Walden Weilbacher of the APIL Secretariat said, "It has been a pleasure working with Senator English as our vice-president, and we are proud to have him as our new president. He brings to the office an expertise and unique perspective that will be extremely valuable to APIL as we continue our efforts to serve our member states."

APIL also includes three affiliated organizations: the Pacific Islands Development Bank (PIDB), a regional development finance institution established by APIL to assist member countries in accelerating their economic and social development through lending and other programs; the Ayuda Foundation, a humanitarian organization which offers a number of medical and educational programs to assist the Association in achieving its goals; and Reach Out Pacific (REPAC), a Hawai'i-based organization that delivers medical and other supplies to the Pacific.

Aren Palik, president and CEO of PIDB, looks forward to Senator English's leadership as the region faces new challenges. "We are always looking for fresh perspectives," said Palik. "Economic and social development have to take place in an ever-changing global landscape. Experience has shown that Senator English will be an effective leader and ally in fulfilling our mission."

Carlotta Leon-Guerrero, Executive Director of the Ayuda Foundation, said, "Senator English has always been a great supporter of our foundation, and I welcome his continued leadership with APIL. We all look forward to his assistance as we continue to help others."

Senator English was elected president at the APIL's 27th General Assembly in Guam, May 7, 2008, and will be seated October 1, 2008. He will serve for one year in the APIL 2008-2009 term. The other officers for the term are Delegate William Ngiraikelau, Vice-President from the Republic of Palau; Speaker Judith T. Won Pat, Ed.D., Secretary from Guam; and Vice Speaker Alik J. Alik, Treasurer from the Marshall Islands' Parliament.

The APIL's mission is to organize a permanent association of mutual assistance by representatives of the people of the Pacific Islands. Current issues before the APIL include those arising in the areas of Resources and Economic Development, Commerce, Legislation, Energy, Regional Security and Defense, Communications, Cultural Appreciation, Health and Social Services, Education, Agriculture, Air and Sea Transportation, Aquaculture, Sports and Recreation, Youth and Senior Citizens, Tourism, Finance, Political Status, External Relations, and Development Banking.

Among the Pacific Island states participating in the APIL are American Samoa; Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) State of Chuuk; FSM State of Kosrae; FSM State of Pohnpei; FSM State of Yap; Island of Guam; Republic of the Marshall Islands; Republic of Palau; State of Hawai'i; Republic of Kiribati; and Republic of Nauru.

© 2008 Kaselehlie Press - Bernd Riebe - bild-art.de

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