2009 August

New automated service

Starting today, an automated phone service will assist with handling calls received about violations of natural and cultural resources laws in the state. The phone lines for the toll-free number (643-3567) will be staffed daily by employees only between 7:45 a.m and 4:30 p.m.

New website launched

More information about the Hawai`i Clean Energy Initiative is now just a click away. The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism has unveiled a website at www.hawaiicleanenergyinitiative.org, where residents and businesses are being encouraged to go for information about the role they can play to thelp Hawai`i reduce its dependence on imported oil.

"Talk Story" with Lt. Governor Aiona

In his weekly radio call-in show today on Honolulu's KHVH 830 AM, Lt. Governor Aiona discusses with host Mike Buck such state issues as continuing efforts to improve Hawai`i's economy.

Preparing for the flu season

As the first day of classes approach for all school children in Hawai`i, Lt. Governor Aiona and health officials today are preparing to avoid the possibility of wider outbreaks of the seasonal flu. They are working with HMSA on public service announcements that will promote on the radio the state's "Stop Flu at School" program, aimed at protecting students betwen ages 5 and 13 from the flu.

Commemorating statehood

Lt. Governor Aiona today helps unveil a mosaic mural in the main terminal at Honolulu International Airport. The colorful mural will feature thousands of pieces of artwork by students from Hawai`i and across the country.

Marketing tourism

State tourism officials are turning their attention to boosting travel to Hawai`i. More than $4 million has been approved for the Hawai`i Visitors and Convention Bureau to use to help stimulate short-term travel to the state, according to the Hawai`i Tourism Authority.

Services for migrants

The state's top human services official has affirmed the Administration's belief that the federal government should pay for all benefits that Hawai`i provides to migrants from Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau.

"Talk Story" with Lt. Governor Aiona

In his weekly radio call-in show today on Honolulu's KHVH 830 AM, Lt. Governor Aiona discusses a broad range of issues, including the weakening Tropical Storm Felicia and ongoing labor negotiations with the unions for state-government employees.

Tropical storm watch

All public schools are open today as the state continues to closely watch Tropical Storm Felicia, which is moving toward Hawai`i. According to the state Department of Education, only two charter schools will be closed: West Hawai`i Explorations Academy in Kailua-Kona and Kua O Ka La in Pahoa.

Unclogging roadways

As traffic thickens on roadways, state transportation officials are seeing encouraging results from a service designed to help alleviate congestion. The new Freeway Service Patrol program has assisted 1,300 motorists in less than two months, according to the state Department of Transportation.

Stimulus-funded highway projects underway

Federal stimulus money has been hitting its targets, paying for new projects and creating jobs in Hawai`i, according to state transportation officials. Nine projects worth $63 million have benefitted from the funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

State office tower closed

An office tower that houses ten state agencies will remain closed today as a safety precaution following a gas leak Thursday. The Leiopapa State Office Tower is being checked and ventilated for occupancy. Employees who work in the building should be prepared to report to work in the afternoon, when supervisors are expected to let them know when the building will reopen.

State office tower to reopen

Power has been restored to a state office tower that was closed after a gas leak caused an explosion in the building that houses about ten government agencies. The Leiopapa State Office Tower reopens today.

Supporting new citizens

Lt. Governor Aiona on Thursday participates in a naturalization ceremony for immigrants who will swear allegiance to the United States of America. The Oath of Citizenship will be taken at the State Capitol by 50 immigrants who will become the country's newest Americans.

Improving passenger service

Kona International Airport is set to open a new security lane designed to improve passenger service during peak hours. The security-screening lane will begin operating in September 2009 at the airport's North Terminal.

Celebrating statehood

Lt. Governor Aiona today participates in the 50th anniversary of Hawai`i's Statehood Conference. Called "New Horizons for the Next 50 years," this one-day conference represents an important culmination of a year-long commemoration of Hawai`i becoming a state a half century ago.

Jobless rate fell in July

Hawai`i's unemployment rate fell to 7 percent, down from 7.3 percent in June. The Labor Department figures showed 2,100 fewer people in unemployment lines in July, when the jobless number improved to 45,300, down from 47,400 in June.

Creating opportunities for small firms

Lt. Governor Aiona today opens a three-day workshop designed to help minority-owned firms in Hawai`i cross hurdles in their path to securing major contracts with national corporations.

Native Hawaiian Convention

Lt. Governor Aiona today addresses the Native Hawaiian Convention. The event, in its eighth year, is expected to bring together an estimated 800 people to the Hawai`i Convention Center.

Preparing for flu season

Lt. Governor Aiona today holds a news conference at the State Capitol with health and education officials to get Hawai`i schools ready for the return of the flu season. The outreach is part of the "Stop Flu at School" program aimed at protecting students between ages 5 and 13 from outbreaks of the seasonal flu. The effort has been complicated by warnings nationally that the H1N1 virus may be a fact of life for many schools across the country this fall.

Motorcycle safety pushed

Lt. Governor Aiona and transportation officials on Saturday will hold a news conference to encourage and promote motorcycle safety. The awareness campaign comes as Hawai`i is on pace to log a record number of motorcycle deaths this year.

Continuing to cut costs

Lt. Governor Aiona participated in an emergency meeting with Governor Linda Lingle and other cabinet members over the weekend. The meeting was called to identify more ways to cut costs and close the growing budget gap.

College football season opens

As the college football season gets underway later this week, Lt. Governor Aiona today will help the Athletics Department at the University of Hawai`i with a public-awareness campaign aimed at promoting good, fan behavior at Aloha Stadium.