May 8, 2009 - Governor's Weekly Radio Address - Session Wrap-Up

Click here to listen to this address.

Aloha,

Actions taken by our State Legislature this session to raise taxes, as well as its failure to take action on important initiatives, will delay our economic recovery. By focusing only on special interests and not on the broader public interests, their decisions are going to make life harder for the people of Hawai`i.

The public is rightfully asking: how come?

The Legislature failed to recognize the importance of planning for our future through critical infrastructure projects like our Highways Modernization Plan, Recreational Renaissance and Broadband communications. They also missed a key opportunity to take the bold action of banning new fossil fuel plants, a move which would have shown our true commitment to energy security and independence.

My Administration, however, is committed to moving these initiatives forward using the resources we have, and we will continue providing the very best services we can to all the people of Hawai`i.

Mahalo. This is Governor Linda Lingle.