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SOTS

 

SOTS 3


During Governor Lingle's sixth State of the State Address at the State Capitol on Tuesday morning, she focused on the potential of Hawai‘i’s unique people and the protection of Hawai`i's special places. The Governor also declared that she is grateful for the trust of residents and remains committed to making progress for the state during the next three years.

Governor Lingle's remarks on personal responsibility, fiscal discipline, developing innovation and energy independence drew applause from the joint session of the State Legislature and members of the public in the House Chambers. Also well-received was her proposal that the Turtle Bay Resort on O`ahu's North Shore be purchased and kept as public land in order to preserve an important part of Hawai`i's lifestyle.

Citing recent reductions in the projected rate of growth of tax revenues, Governor Lingle called on Hawai`i residents to renew a sense of `ohana and take greater personal responsibility for Hawai`i's future.

"Personal responsibility means more than just being responsible for decisions that affect us as individuals," she said. "Personal responsibility means that we get involved to help others in need and to create a better Hawai`i."

The Governor also called on legislators to join her in taking personal responsibility for the long-term fiscal and economic well-being of the state.

"We have some tough choices to make together in the weeks and months ahead, and I look forward to collaborating with you on reaching the best decisions. The public expects and deserves nothing less from us," said Governor Lingle.

Governor Lingle also renewed the call to transform Hawai`i's economy from one based too narrowly on land development to one based on the infinite talent and intellectual capacity of its people, with the preservation of our cultural and natural resources as its cornerstone. 

"It is as certain as night follows day that we cannot speculate or sell ourselves into prosperity," she said. "Instead, we have to be willing to invest in those education and workforce programs that will prepare people to succeed in an increasingly competitive world."

In order to secure a brighter tomorrow for future generations, the Governor discussed new proposals:

  • Creative Academies, modeled after successful STEM Academies, to nurture and support the many talents of Hawai`i's keiki;
  • Tax deductions of up to $20,000 a year for parents or other family members saving for a child's college education;
  • The creation of a Commission on Higher Education made up of the presidents of Hawai`i's major universities, members of the community, and business leaders; and
  • An allocation of $100 million from the state retirement fund to invest in the creative ideas and talents of Hawai`i's companies and people.

Acknowledging Hawai`i's status as the most oil-dependent state in the nation, Governor Lingle also highlighted the need to pursue energy independence and security.

The Governor shared that the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism will be reorganized to re-establish an Energy Division that will develop renewable energy projects - from wind to solar, from wave and ocean thermal to biofuel, from algae to even energy from space.

The State of Hawai`i continues to lead by example in the pursuit of energy efficiency and renewable energy.

This month, the Department of Transportation's Airports Division announced an historic plan to develop large solar power arrays at 12 government sites across the state.  This project, one of the largest state government solar initiatives in the nation, has the has the potential to reduce Hawai`i's need to import 130,000 barrels of oil per year, and to generate enough power to supply about 9,000 homes per year.

Governor Lingle also announced that next week, the State of Hawai`i and the U.S. Department of Energy will enter into an unprecedented and innovative partnership called the Hawai`i Clean Energy Initiative.

Finally, the Governor addressed a once-in-a-generation chance to preserve both a lifestyle for thousands of residents: the purchase of the 850-acre Turtle Bay property on O`ahu's North Shore.

"I believe this will be a defining moment for all of us - a moment that communicates to young people that we care more about their future than about our present," said Governor Lingle as she proposed the creation of a working group to explore options and develop an action plan to make sure that this property stays in public hands.

The Governor closed her address by asking the audience to listen to Na Hoku award-winning Kaukahi as they performed "Life In These Islands,” a musical tribute to the unique quality of life found no place else on Earth and an inspiration for all – legislators and residents – to work together to protect Hawai`i.