November 4, 2005- Economic Momentum

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Hawai’i is experiencing our most robust economy in decades, as evidenced by the lowest unemployment in the nation for most of this year, the addition of 40,000 new jobs since December 2002, an impressive growth in personal income, and the expanding vibrant tourism and construction industries.

Therefore, now is the time to keep the momentum going and our Economic Momentum Commission is doing just that.

This week the Commission released their action items to keep our economy strong.

I would like to mention two important initiatives.

The first is the Education Facilities Review Committee. This group will objectively examine our future public education infrastructure requirements.

A second initiative will support our host culture by perpetuating current educational programs and enhanced tourism measures through public-private partnerships.

I urge you to get involved in this process by going to their Web site, www.emc-hawaii.com.

Your opinion counts.

Mahalo. This is Governor Linda Lingle.