November 18, 2005 - Diversity Award - Presented by Lt. Governor Aiona

This week, Governor Lingle will be in Washington, D.C. to accept a national diversity award on behalf of the State of Hawai`i.  This prestigious honor, from the Diversity Best Practices and the Business Women’s Network, speaks to the essence of who we are as people of the State of Hawai`i.

With our host native Hawaiian culture serving as a foundation, we have known for a long time how people of different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs can learn from each other and become stronger as an `ohana. 

Hawai`i is a true champion of diversity, and a model for other communities around the world to embrace differences in culture, ethnicity, gender and socioeconomic status. 

As Hawai`i residents, we take great pride in our diversity, and we are fortunate to live and work in harmony.  But we must continue to battle injustices and discrimination and to seek advancement opportunities for all the people of Hawai`i, especially those with the greatest needs.