July 23, 2009 – Governor's Weekly Radio Address - Long-Term Economic Investment
Thirty Meter Telescope has committed to building the most advanced telescope ever constructed atop Mauna Kea - 13,796 ft. above sea level and above 40 percent of the Earth's atmosphere.
Click here to listen to this address.
Aloha,
Two events occurred this week which will strengthen Hawai`i's long-term economy.
All the people of Hawai`i were honored to welcome the sailors of the USS Hawai`i and their families, as our namesake submarine makes its homeport at Pearl Harbor. The economic impact of the USS Hawai`i exceeds $17 million a year. The USS Hawai`i is the first of several Virginia-class submarines which will call Hawai`i home and add to our economy.
Also, the Thirty Meter Telescope, or TMT, has committed to building the most advanced telescope ever constructed atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island. The TMT – a $1.4 billion investment in Hawai`i – will create employment opportunities for our residents, including hundreds of construction jobs, as well as 140 full-time employees once the project begins operations.
These types of investments represent a strong foundation for a diverse and robust economy, which will help us achieve long-term prosperity for our state.
Mahalo. This is Governor Linda Lingle.
