September 25, 2008 - Governor Linda Lingle's Weekly Radio Address - Hawai`i's Economic Forecast - Presented by Lt. Governor "Duke" Aiona

Click here to listen to this address.

Just as more of Hawai`i's families and businesses are tightening their budgets, your state government is developing innovative ways to maintain public service at the highest level with fewer resources, and without increasing taxes or fees. 

Over the next three years, the state is facing a projected difference of over $900 million between anticipated state revenues and actual funds coming in. 

To ensure we continue to serve the people of Hawai`i, while maintaining fiscal discipline, we are planning additional spending restrictions.  We are also looking at additional revenues from outside sources, particularly federal funds and private investments in high-tech and renewable-energy-related industries.  It is also critically important that we continue to move forward on capital improvement projects for our state infrastructure and facilities.

We remain confident these challenges can become opportunities for our state.