WHEREAS, the Legislature is always proud to honor individuals who contribute to the vitality of our State and its economy through their vision, creativity, and drive that turns adversity into opportunity; and

WHEREAS, small business is the essence of our free enterprise system, and it is through the initiative and resourcefulness of diligent entrepreneurs that the citizens of Hawaii enjoy a quality of life unsurpassed by any other state in our nation; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Small Business Administration seeks to honor a spectrum of individuals who work in all aspects of small business, recognizing the myriad types of small businesses that thrive in Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Small Business Administration's annual awards are bestowed on advocates and entrepreneurs who have contributed to the promotion of small business and an improved small business environment; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature is proud to honor the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2005 awardees who have enhanced our economy by ensuring that the best products and services are available to the people of Hawaii; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, that this body hereby honors the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2005 Small Business Persons of the Year, commends them for their contributions to small business in Hawaii, and extends to them its best wishes for continued success in all future endeavors: Dennis Matsui, Modesto Revilla, Jr., and Robert R. Acasio, Small Business Persons of the Year; Carole Baguio, Small Business Exporter of the Year; Walter "Kamika" Smith, Family Owned Small Business of the Year; Olin Kealoha Lagon, Minority Small Business Champion of the Year; Lincoln Jacobe, Small Business Journalist of the Year; Jeffrey Au, Financial Services Champion of the Year; and Saedene Yee-Ota, Women in Business Champion of the Year.

Report Title:

SBA'S 2005 SMALL BUSINESS PERSONS OF THE YEAR