Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 22, Number 12, 1 Kekemapa 2005 — Host culture economics [ARTICLE]
Host culture economics
As Native Hawaiians go, so goes the state's economy - according to the state Eeonomie Momentum Commission. In October, the commission, a 31-mem-ber body created by Gov. Linda Lingle, released about 30 recommendations on how to maintain the state's eeonomie growth.
The commission stated that a strong Hawai'i economy depends on a healthy Hawaiian culture and a Native Hawaiian population that is well educated, employed, adequately housed and practicing their traditions. Commission members said that a vibrant Hawaiian culture is important to Hawai'i's economy because it sets the state apart as a unique vacation destination. One of the commission's recommendations was to support the Akaka Bill to protect various programs that benefit Native Hawaiians. Another was the construction of a Hawaiian-culture center in Waiklkl that would showcase hula, food and other native arts.