May

Hawai`i Hosts Nation's Largest Botball Robotics Tournament

Governor Lingle joined 42 Hawai`i teams representing 38 Hawai`i schools from O`ahu, Kaua`i, Maui and the Big Island on Saturday to kick off the largest Botball tournament in the nation.

Missed Opportunity - Recreational Renaissance Plan

Governor Lingle and Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Director Laura Thielen called a news conference on Monday to report to the public the status of the Administration's Recreational Renaissance Plan.

Governor Dedicates Affordable Senior Housing, Breaks Ground on New Project

Reflecting her commitment to providing affordable housing for Hawai`i seniors, Governor Lingle participated in a dedication ceremony for a new 60-unit senior rental housing project in Kapolei and helped break ground on a second project that will provide 20 more affordable rental units for kupuna in West O`ahu.

Missed Opportunities - Broadband and Highway Modernization

Highlighting additional missed opportunities by the Democrat-controlled Legislature this session, Governor Lingle and leaders from the departments of Transportation and Commerce and Consumer Affairs shared their disappointment at legislators' last-minute failure to pass two major initiatives that would have modernized Hawai`i's transportation and information technology infrastructure.

Governor Vetoes Measures that Will Stall Economic Recovery

As residents and businesses across the state are facing challenges as the result of today's economic climate, Governor Lingle vetoed three bills that would raise taxes on residents, visitors and businesses, cause further job losses, and delay our economic recovery.

Governor Honors University of Hawai`i Distinguished Alumni

Highlighting the important contributions of institutions of higher learning in our state, Governor Lingle joined the University of Hawai`i (UH) and the University of Hawai`i Alumni Association (UHAA) in honoring the 2009 recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award, including Dr. Chiyome Fukino, director of the Department of Health.

Investing in Infrastructure

As part of the $1.8 billion public infrastructure construction plan unveiled by Governor Lingle in December 2008 to stimulate the economy and create jobs, Governor Lingle released $6.6 million this week to invest in highway improvements on Kaua`i, security upgrades at O`ahu harbors and improvements at Manuka State Wayside on the Big Island.

Recktenwald Sworn In as Supreme Court Justice

Governor Lingle participated in the swearing in ceremony for Mark Recktenwald, who was appointed by the Governor and confirmed unanimously by the State Senate to serve as an associate justice of the Hawai`i Supreme Court.

Governor Delivers Chaminade University Commencement Address

With a focus on the qualities that are needed to move our state and nation forward, Governor Lingle called on Chaminade University graduates to use their education to bring about positive change.

Governor Addresses Hawai`i Travel Industry Leaders

Speaking at a critical time for Hawai`i's visitor industry and economy, Governor Lingle delivered keynote remarks at the 12th annual Travel Weekly Hawai`i Leadership Forum. The Governor highlighted the strengths of Hawai`i's visitor industry, as well as opportunities for growth in this global economic climate.

Student Robotics Teams Excel at Mainland Competition

The Hawai`i State FIRST LEGO League (FLL) champions, the `Iolani Roboraiders, recently returned from Dayton, Ohio, where they put their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills to the test against 60 teams at the FLL U.S. Open Championship Tournament at Wright State University.

State Moves Initiatives Forward Despite Legislative Inaction

The state is moving forward with the Highways Modernization and Recreational Renaissance plans to invest in Hawai`i's outdoor recreational facilities and highway infrastructure even though the Legislature failed to take action on the plans this session.

Administration Aids Small Businesses

As part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's commitment to helping small businesses across the state address current economic challenges, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' (DCCA) Maui Business Action Center (BAC) has returned to regular business hours from 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

State to Receive $10.2M in Unemployment Insurance Modernization Incentive Funds

Darwin Ching, director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, announced that Hawai`i's Unemployment Insurance (UI) Division will be receiving nearly $10.2 million in modernization incentive funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). States can qualify for a share of the $7 billion in UI modernization incentive payments by showing that its laws include certain provisions that broaden eligibility for benefits.

"Outstanding Service Members of the Year" Honored

Reflecting her unwavering commitment to Hawai`i's men and women in uniform, and as part of Hawai`i Military Appreciation Month, Governor Lingle attended the Military Recognition Luncheon to recognize the outstanding service of members from all military branches.

Investing in Infrastructure, Strengthening Hawai`i's Economy

Moving forward on the Lingle-Aiona Administration's plans to build a brighter economic future for the State of Hawai`i by investing in infrastructure, Governor Lingle released $9.3 million for improvements to small boat harbors and highway infrastructure across the state.

Governor Releases $4M for Highway Improvements

Governor Lingle released $4 million to construct new retaining walls and repair damaged roadway pavement on Kuhio Highway in the Lumahai and Wainiha areas on Kaua`i.

Emergent Reality Game Promotes Preparedness

This week, the State Department of Health (DOH) and Hawai`i Research Center for Futures Studies (HRCFS) launched the world's first Emergent Reality Game (ERG) on pandemic influenza. The online game, named Coral Cross (coralcross.org) offers a real-time interactive experience where participants can become better informed on the unfolding H1N1 Influenza A situation and pandemic preparedness.

Honoring Hawai`i's Innovators

As part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's efforts to help the state meet the challenges of the 21st century through ingenuity and creativity, Governor Lingle recognized the March and April recipients of the Governor's Innovation Awards.

Comprehensive Review of Legislation Continues

As part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's comprehensive process of reviewing legislation passed this session by the Legislature, Governor Lingle is encouraging the public to provide input and comments on the measures.

Mahalo for Your Sacrifice

Governor Lingle joined the people of Hawai`i this week in mourning the loss of Air Force 1st Lt. Roslyn Schulte, who died May 20 of wounds sustained by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.

Governor to Address People of Hawai`i

Following the Council on Revenues' most recent reduced revenue forecast, Governor Lingle will address the public at 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 1 on television, radio and webcast. The Governor will discuss options to close the immediate shortfall projected, and outline the state's path to economic recovery.

OHA Presents DHHL with $3M for Housing

Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Chairperson Haunani Apoliona presented a $3 million check to Hawaiian Homes Commission Chairman Micah Kane in a ceremony this week that highlighted the continued commitment between the two trusts to provide more affordable housing for native Hawaiians while at the same time improving the quality of life for surrounding communities.