View Point
[ FOLLOWING A VISION ]
FOR MANY in Hawaii, the upcoming Asian Development Bank meeting at the Convention Center may be just another item on the evening news or the daily newspaper. If this were the case, it would be a great disappointment because this event will be a major step in fulfilling a vision of Hawaii as a multinational meeting place for the Pacific. ADB will enhance
Hawaii’s image as ‘Geneva
of the Pacific’It is an opportunity that has the potential to establish our islands as a place where diplomacy, international trade and community forums can take place in a setting of warmth and aloha.
We are honored to host this large, prestigious gathering that is expected to draw as many as 4,000 participants from May 9-11.
Clearly, the world increasingly views Hawaii as a place for high-level international conventions and policy gatherings. The ADB's annual meeting advances our shared vision to make Hawaii the "Geneva of the Pacific."
Given our growing reputation as a resort and conference center, we expect this may be among the best-attended meetings of the ADB. We estimate the meeting will generate $17 million in expenditures and, just as important, generate worldwide exposure.
CONVENTIONS AND meetings such as the Pacific Basin Economic Council's annual International General Meeting and the ADB meeting bring Hawaii to the world and offer a significant opportunity to showcase our islands as being something much more than a vacation destination. Our state's reputation as a serious place to conduct meetings and business benefits from such events.
Conferences where vital policies are discussed and where various nations in potential conflict with one another meet face-to-face attract international media attention.
As such, strong differences of opinion can be expected to surface both inside and outside of the meeting. We recognize this, and recognize the right of everyone peaceably to express a point of view. We plan to protect and safeguard everyone's First Amendment rights during the meeting as we do day in and day out here in the islands.
It is essential that Hawaii be a safe and welcoming place for international conferences without impinging upon the public's normal activities. It would be shortsighted and naive to ignore concerns over the potential for disruption during the ADB meeting.
However, it would be much more restrictive for us to ignore the vast opportunity that the ADB meeting presents for Hawaii, our economic future and our international stature.
Hawaii nearly missed out on this opportunity. Seattle had been originally selected as the host, but Seattle could not come to an agreement with the U.S. Department of Treasury on arrangements. Last April, federal officials asked Honolulu to be considered along with two other cities -- San Francisco and Chicago -- as possible hosts. The Treasury reviewed each proposal. Honolulu was selected because of the impressive bid it had made earlier to host a World Trade Organization meeting.
IN PLANNING THIS meeting, conference organizers have paid special attention to the most controversial issues. This year's seminar sessions will cover several broad themes: poverty reduction; sustainable development and environmental management; regional cooperation; financial reforms; and the emergence of information technology and its role in development.
Last year, the ADB provided loans, totaling more than $5 billion, to governments and private organizations in developing countries.
In addition to the primary health care, microcredit, agricultural support, environmental protection and community model school projects that are undertaken by members, a significant portion of ADB investment capital is spent on participatory programs that involve nongovernmental organizations, community-based organizations and other stakeholder groups.
These involve large benefits to the communities affected by poverty as demonstrated by the tens of thousands of poor that are supportive of these projects.
Of specific benefit to our business community will be the scheduling of a Hawaii Business Forum to coincide with some of the ADB annual meeting activities. The Hawaii forum is set for May 7-11 and will feature ADB and other officials who will speak on how to do business with ADB and in the Asia-Pacific region.
It is my hope that we all join together and share our unique spirit of aloha and friendship to make this meeting a success for our business community, the meeting participants and all the people of Hawaii.
Benjamin J. Cayetano is governor of Hawaii.