Colon Named Private Sector Leader of the Year by Association of Defense Communities | Community Spirit

The following information is provided by Association of Defense Communities:

The Association of Defense Communities has named Steve Colon, President of the Hawaii development division of Hunt Companies, the 2012 Private Sector Leader of the Year, presenting the award August 6 at the ADC Annual Conference in Monterey, California. The award recognizes an individual from the private sector whose achievements have helped further the goals of defense communities.

ADC is the nation's leading association representing U.S. communities and states with a significant military presence.

"Particularly as a retired Navy Captain, it has been an honor to be part of the revitalization of Ford Island," Colon said. "The best part of this project has been being part of preserving the important historical aspects of the island, and working with the Navy on a transformational public private partnership."

Colon has been a leading force in a unique public-private partnership with the U.S. Navy, piloting the effort to redevelop Ford Island, an active facility located in Pearl Harbor, and underutilized parcels on Oahu into an efficient living and working environment. Since 2003, Colon has overseen the development and execution of the Ford Island Master Development Agreement, resulting in the revitalization and upgrade of Ford Island's infrastructure and the development of on-island housing for Navy personnel.

The partnership was unprecedented and highlights Colon's ability to provide innovative solutions in response to changing circumstances. Redevelopment of the island by Ford Island Properties, a joint venture between an affiliate of Hunt Cos. and Fluor Federal Services, allows the navy to live and work on a historic site. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor destroyed four battleships moored at Ford Island.

During the project, Hunt ensured that cultural and historical aspects of the island were honored through its relationship with the Pacific Aviation Museum and the design of the Ford Island Historic Trail, a 4.5-mile interpretive trail that will showcase historical events that occurred on Ford Island on Dec. 7, 1941.

With his innovative thinking, understanding of public-private partnerships and commitment to securing key stakeholder support, Colon's leadership in Hunt Companies' master planning of Ford Island has helped increase economic development in the area. It also allowed the Navy to fulfill its goal to increase naval activities, providing housing for military personnel, and provide for the immediate and future development of Ford Island without using taxpayers' dollars or congressional appropriations.

"Our country is fortunate to have leaders such as Steve Colon, who understands how to help meet the unique challenges facing the communities and states that support and have supported military missions," said John Armbrust, President of the Association of Defense Communities.

ADC (www.defensecommunities.org) represents 200 communities, states and regions with a significant military presence, and partner organizations. ADC unites the diverse interests of communities, state governments, the private sector and the military on issues of base closure and realignment, community-military partnerships, defense real estate, mission growth, mission sustainment, military privatization, military families/veteran support and base redevelopment.