"I feel strongly that significant progress has been made," Horner said. "I feel equally strong that significant work needs to be done."

Hawai'i's economy has been growing for nearly a decade. The state has led the nation in low unemployment for most of the past two years.

But most economists agree the current business cycle has peaked and that slower growth lay ahead.

The Economic Momentum Commission was formed last summer to consider ways to stave off Hawai'i's next economic downturn.

The panel of private sector and government leaders issued its first report in December and wants to remain intact at least six more months. The December report included about 30 proposals aimed at addressing threats to economic development in areas ranging from agriculture and housing to host culture and education.

While some progress has occurred on some proposals, many of the commission's recommendations remain unimplemented. The group has agreed to continue in small groups to push for change prior to at least one more full meeting in November, Horner said.

Among the issues identified by the commission was the need to: develop affordable housing, house the homeless, close and consolidate public schools, and better prepare people for the workplace.

"We certainly took on the most challenging issues," Horner said. "You don't solve these in six months.

"It's a process. Many of these issues have multiple, multi-faceted solutions."

Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com.