2009 Legislative Session

With unprecedented economic challenges facing the state and the nation, the 2009 Legislative session opened this week with lawmakers calling for increased cooperation and collaboration across political aisles and throughout the community.

In his address to the House of Representatives, Speaker Calvin Say stated, "I challenge all of us to join together to resolve the budget crisis," he said. "I pledge to work with the Administration and, obviously, the Senate on a cooperative basis. Everybody has to be part of the solution."

In the weeks leading up to the opening of the session, the Lingle-Aiona Administration has been working with legislators in developing key initiatives, including measures to improve traffic safety on Hawai`i's roadways, a comprehensive plan to modernize Hawai`i's highways, an innovative program to reinvigorate the state's recreational resources and continuing efforts to increase Hawai`i's energy independence.

• Governor Lingle's report to the Legislature.
• Governor Lingle's report to the Legislature on the Status on the Effort to Acquire Turtle Bay.
• Governor Lingle's report to the Legislature on the 50th Anniversary of Statehood Commission.