They are an amazing cross-section of our community: a harbor pilot from Kailua; a teacher from Makiki; a Niu Valley woman who runs a small plant nursery; a Mo'ili'ili resident who works with the disadvantaged; and a Kaimuki grandmother whose interest in healthcare reform is inspired by her own battle with lung cancer.

They also have one thing in common: They've just finished their stint on The Advertiser's Community Editorial Board.

From our seemingly endless slate of editorial board meetings, perhaps the one our editorial page staff most looks forward to is our regular meeting with our community board.

This panel composed of readers meets weekly with our Editorial Board to share their opinions on a wide range of issues affecting Hawai'i.

Without fail, our community board has provided us with fresh perspectives that often influence our editorials. And they've repeatedly shown us that local folks have the heart and the smarts to make a difference. In short: They've been inspiring.

Our last batch of board members once again delivered the goods.

During their eight weeks with us, they discussed everything from transit to education, to the quality of elected leadership in Hawai'i. And they had the opportunity to question two key state lawmakers and express concerns about Hawai'i's future. An excerpt of that meeting appears next to this column, along with pictures and short biographies of our exiting board members.

Now that this board has completed its term, we're looking for our next group of Community Board members.

Is it your turn?

If you're interested in becoming a board member, you can contact us by phone at 535-2414, or e-mail me directly at jmbelding@honoluluadver tiser.com. Include your name, address and phone number, along with a brief description of your interests and the reasons you'd like to join.

So, get involved. You'll enjoy the experience and meet some interesting people. But don't take my word for it. Here's what outgoing board member Julia Matsui-Estrella says: "The discussions were stimulating, and it was wonderful that people were willing to take in our ideas. I would encourage others to jump right in and share their ideas."

So, let us hear from you — your opinion matters.

Jeanne Mariani-Belding is editor of The Advertiser's editorial and opinion pages.

Reach Jeanne Mariani-Belding at jmbelding@honoluluadvertiser.com.