March

Robotics Teams Ramping Up for Regional Competition

With only a few weeks remaining until the second annual FIRST in Hawai`i Regional Robotics Competition, high school competitors are preparing to blast off in a robotics challenge celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11's historic mission to the moon.

Commemorating 50 Years of Statehood

In recognition of President Dwight D. Eisenhower signing a bill on March 18, 1959, that allowed Hawai`i to be admitted as a state, the 50th Anniversary of Hawai`i Statehood Commission will host a commemorative event at the Hawai`i State Capitol on March 18, 2009.

Governor Unveils Plan to Close Revenue Shortfall

Continuing her Administration's focus on balancing the budget during unprecedented economic and fiscal challenges, while minimizing the impact on Hawai`i families and businesses, Governor Lingle submitted to the Legislature her plan to close the projected $650 million revenue shortfall without raising taxes, without any layoffs or furloughs of state employees, and without making significant cuts to essential public services or programs.

Maximizing Federal Funds

With a focus on maximizing federal funds, the Lingle-Aiona Administration is working with federal agencies to secure funds for the state through the Federal Stimulus Bill, which includes billions of dollars available in competitive grants for some of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's key initiative areas, such as renewable energy, broadband access and infrastructure modernization.

Governor's Biopsy Results Negative

Dr. Mari Nakashizuka announced Monday that the results of Governor Lingle's diagnostic surgical biopsy came back negative for breast cancer.

Federal Stimulus Expands Hawai`i Nutrition Benefits

The Department of Human Services (DHS) announced this week that Hawai`i residents enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will gain a 13.6 percent boost in their monthly cash benefits starting April 1.

Hawai`i Ranked Third in National Report for Care of Homeless Children

While the economy is a top concern for families and businesses across the state and nation, Governor Lingle and her Homelessness Solutions Team remain mindful of the challenges faced by one of Hawai`i's most vulnerable populations – homeless residents and their families.

Governor Applies for $7.7 Million in Federal Stimulus Funds

In an effort to take maximum advantage of the federal funds available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to increase employment opportunities for Hawai`i residents and boost the economy, Governor Lingle has applied for Hawai`i's full share of federal grants that will supplement existing workforce development and training programs.

Federal Stimulus Funds to Create 3,170 Jobs

The State of Hawai`i, together with the four counties, will receive $246 million in federal stimulus funds to improve transportation infrastructure statewide. Governor Lingle and State Transportation Director Brennon Morioka released a list of state and county projects that will move forward using the federal funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Bilateral Meeting Studies Clean Energy Opportunities

Reflecting her Administration's commitment to a clean energy future for the State of Hawai`i, Governor Lingle welcomed participants of the Second Bilateral Meeting of the U.S.-China Cooperation on Electricity from Renewables.

Agreement to Advance 'Big Wind' Projects

Governor Lingle along with Castle & Cooke, First Wind Hawai`i and Hawaiian Electric Company this week announced an agreement that could lead to large wind farms on both Lana`i and Moloka`i providing clean energy to O`ahu.

Hawai`i Commemorates Golden Anniversary of Statehood

Marking the day 50 years ago that President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Hawai`i Admission Act, Governor Lingle reflected on Hawai`i's journey to statehood, and the qualities and strengths unique to our islands that position us for a bright future.

`Iolani School Captures National Title

Governor Lingle welcomed home a high school team from Hawai`i has captured the national championship title in the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2009 Real World Design Challenge (RWDC) and presented the students with a proclamation declaring March 21, 2009 as "Team NDC Real World Design Challenge Day" in the State of Hawai`i.

Receiving Home Provides Safe Haven

Governor Lingle participated in the grand opening and dedication of Ho`omalu O Na Kamali`i, the Leeward Coast's newest temporary shelter that will be used by the Department of Human Services to provide support and services to the children of the Wai`anae Coast who are removed from their homes due to suspected abuse and neglect.

Honoring Hawai`i's Women Leaders

In recognition of Women's History Month, Governor Lingle and the Hawai`i State Commission on the Status of Women celebrated the contributions of women in Hawai`i and honored environmental advocate Donna Wong, executive director of Hawai`i's Thousand Friends.

Robotics Contest is Sheer Lunacy

More than 1,000 students from 33 teams representing the mainland, Mexico, the Philippines and 24 schools from Hawai`i have converged at the University of Hawai`i's Stan Sheriff Center for the first day of competition at the second annual NASA / BAE Systems FIRST in Hawai`i Regional Robotics Competition.

Governor's Budget Plan Focuses on Future

Addressing the Council on Revenues' revised forecast of March 12, Governor Lingle announced a new financial plan that supplements measures she proposed earlier this month to close the budget shortfall, while maintaining her commitment to not increase taxes or lay off state employees.

U.S. Supreme Court Issues Decision on Ceded Lands

In a unanimous ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has decided that Hawai`i is entitled to sell or transfer ceded lands that were conveyed to the state by the federal government upon statehood in 1959.

Governor Outlines Budget Plan Before Senate Committee

Governor Lingle testified before the Senate Ways and Means Committee on the Administration's proposed budget plan to close the latest $255 million revenue shortfall projected by the Council on Revenues for the remainder of the current fiscal year (FY09) and the biennium fiscal years 2010 through 2011.

Medal of Honor Ceremony Honors Hawai`i's Fallen

Governor Lingle joined Lt. Governor Aiona, State Adjutant General Robert Lee and members of the Hawai`i State Legislature at a ceremony to pay tribute to Hawai`i's fallen warriors and present the Hawai`i Medal of Honor to the families of 23 service members with Hawai`i ties who have died during the past year in the line of duty.