Hawaii is ready to take its place on the world stage next month when the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting brings President Barack Obama and leaders from 20 other nations to Oahu.

That was the message from Hawaii’s APEC Host Committee, which met for the last time Wednesday to review final preparations for the international meeting that begins in 18 days.

"I’m extremely confident that we’ll have a successful Leaders’ Week," said Peter Ho, committee chairman. "I’m optimistic that the experience for the delegates and leaders will be positive and carry on the momentum that’s been keeping us all going strong for these many months."

The committee has raised $4 million from the community, got more than $137 million in public and private projects moving to clean up the city and garnered at least $2 million worth of media exposure designed to spread the message that Hawaii is a culturally advantageous place for businesses to meet and is an innovator in clean energy, and in life and ocean sciences.

About 1,063 volunteers have been recruited and trained to serve as ambassadors of aloha during the week. Altogether, about 3,083 workers and volunteers have been trained to ensure improved service from Hawaii’s airports to its hotels, retail and transportation companies.

The committee has also found ways to bring Hawaiian protocol into APEC events such as the Nov. 10 Welcome Reception at the Royal Hawaiian, the International Trade Reception at the Bishop Museum on Nov. 11 and the International Cultural Reception on Nov. 12 at the Honolulu Academy of Arts.

Ho said the 32-member host committee and others have been readying the state for at least 22 months. Along the way, organizers heard criticism from the community related to the security inconveniences and possible protests that could accompany this high-level event. They also fielded complaints when the completion of some APEC-related state Department of Transportation projects came down to the wire.

"Across the U.S. they all ask me, ‘Are you ready for APEC?’ and we are ready," said Randy Tanaka, the committee’s chief operating officer. "The guys from Chicago handling the NATO Summit (next May) said, ‘I hear you guys are doing a great job in Honolulu, you guys are setting the tone for everyone else.’ "

APEC will bring about 20,000 delegates, staff, friends and family, and media to Hawaii from Nov. 7 to 13, and is expected to pump $120 million into Hawaii’s economy.

While APEC meetings typically offer little community access, the committee has created opportunities for local companies, from hotels to export and import businesses. Aloha­ wear manufacturer Tori Richard was selected to design the APEC volunteers’ official aloha shirt. The design, unveiled at Wednesday’s meeting, displays national flowers from each of the 21 APEC nations, as well as Hawaiian kapa motifs in a grid pattern.

Twenty Hawaii companies will have an opportunity to spotlight their merchandise in the official APEC Makana gift box, which will be distributed to 9,500 delegates. In addition, five Hawaii businesses will showcase their products, services and technologies at the APEC 2011 Hawaii Business Innovation Showcase. Companies also can participate in a virtual marketplace or send representatives to events like the APEC CEOs Summit, held Nov. 10-12, or the Pacific Basin Economic Council and the East-West Center Conference to be held Nov. 9-10 at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

"The symposium offers the rare opportunity for participants to engage in discussion with business leaders and experts from around the Asia-Pacific Region," Ho said.

The committee also worked on fostering deeper relationships with China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam.