LIHU‘E —Kaua‘i residents William Lydgate and Taryn Rodighiero were both elected to the Small Business Regulatory Review Board (SBRRB) Wednesday afternoon.
This marks the first time Rodighiero, a small business owner of KaiKini Bikinis, a storefront that sells custom-made bikinis on Kaua‘i, will serve on the SBRRB.
Rodighiero, who was nominated by Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce President Mark Perriello, is excited about the opportunity.
“I never heard of the SBRRB before the president and Chamber knew there was a spot open,” Rodighiero said. “When Mark brought it to my attention, he asked if I wanted to apply for the opening and put me in touch with them.”
Rodighiero’s goal is to provide information to other small Kaua‘i businesses to give them resources to succeed.
“I just want to be as open as I can be towards helping small businesses on Kaua‘i,” Rodighiero said. “I am glad to be on board and help them as best I can.”
Lydgate, who owns Lydgate Farms, a Kaua‘i chocolate farm, hopes to continue to help small businesses further their initiatives. Lydgate, was on the Small Business Regulatory Review Board last year.
“I think it is important to have a small business regulatory review board,” Lydgate said. “Any time you have a government agency making the decisions, it is important to realize the impact of new regulations. We have the power to approve the different rules and regulations they recommend, and we look out for small businesses in the process.”
The SBRRB is comprised of 11 members — 10 current or former owners or officers of businesses from across the state, and the director of DBEDT or the director’s designated representative, who serves as an “ex officio” member.
There are four appointed by the Senate president, three members by the Speaker of the House, two members by the SBRRB, and two appointed by the governor, according to the organization’s press release.
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism director Mike McCartney stated he was happy about these additions.
“I am especially supportive of these members who volunteer their time to help reduce Hawai‘i’s regulatory impacts on the small business community,” said McCartney said in the press release. “I extend my sincere appreciation and wish them the best in fulfilling their duties to improve and enhance the growth and success of Hawai‘i small businesses.”
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Jason Blasco, sports reporter, can be reached at 245-0437 or jblasco@thegardenisland.com.
