2009 July

Keeping safe distance from fireworks

Hawai`i residents are being reminded that fireworks and alcohol are not permitted in state parks, harbors and forests during July Fourth celebrations. For more information or to report a violation, contact the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Taiwan president visits

The Lt. Governor and Mrs. Aiona today meet with Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou and Mrs. Ma during a stopover in Hawai`i on their return trip to Taiwan.

"Talk Story" with Lt. Governor Aiona

Lt. Governor Aiona today discusses state issues on his weekly call-in radio show on KHVH AM with host Mike Buck, starting at 5 p.m. Topics on the hour-long show include his reaction to a state court judge upholding a legal challenge to the Adminstration's furlough plan.

Deadline for public comment

The deadline is Wednesday to comment on the six judicial nominees for the second highest court in the state. Within a month, one of the nominees will be selected as chief judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Comments can be faxed to (808) 586-0006, or e-mailed to Governor.lingle@hawaii.gov.

Choosing a chief judge

Today is the deadline to comment on the six judicial nominees for the second highest court in the state. One of the nominees will be selected as chief judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Comments can be faxed to (808) 586-0006, or e-mailed to Governor.lingle@hawaii.gov.

New twist in tax laws

A new law in Hawai`i will prevent taxpayers from getting an income-tax deduction for gambling losses. The measure is part of a broader effort to prevent budget gaps as state tax revenue declines while expenses increase. It also coincides with the plans to step up enforcement of tax collection.

Embracing the Internet

Hawai`i residents are being offered a new, free online service designed to protect them from registered sex offenders in the state. They can now sign up to receive e-mail alerts from the state Department of the Attorney General when ever there is updated information about sex offenders, who have committed crimes against minors.

Focusing in on the economy

Lt. Governor Aiona speaks today at the annual meeting of the Ka‘u Chamber of Commerce, where his focus will be on issues ranging from the economy and unemployment, to disaster planning and transportation. The meeting will be held at the Na‘alehu Elementary School Gym, where an estimated 200 people will attend.

Embracing the Internet

Hawai`i residents are being offered a new, free online service designed to protect them from registered sex offenders in the state. They can now sign up to receive e-mail alerts from the state Department of the Attorney General when ever there is updated information about sex offenders, who have committed crimes against minors.

Leading by example

Lt. Governor Aiona is supporting Governor Linda Lingle's decision to furlough herself, her chief of staff and other top officials in the Administration. The two furlough days a month also apply to the Lt. Governor as well as all department heads. "We are making a firm commitment to lead by example," Lt. Governor Aiona said. "Our Administration has always maintained that there must be shared sacrifice in order to achieve a balanced budget."

Developing Hawai`i's workforce

Lt. Governor Aiona today travels to Maui where he is supporting the island's first class to graduate from a continuing-education program offered by Kapi`olani Community College. The eight students are graduating from a Radiologic Technology program, which has trained them to start work at hospitals, physicians' offices and diagnostic imaging centers across the state.

Major economic boost

Lt. Governor Aiona has expressed strong support for the selection of Mauna Kea as the preferred site to build the world's largest telescope. "During these challenging times, this $1.2 billion project will provide our state with high-paying jobs and opportunities to expand our high-tech industry," Lt. Governor Aiona said.

High-tech submarine arrives

Lt. Governor Aiona today joins Governor Linda Lingle at Pearl Harbor during a welcoming ceremony for the Navy's USS Hawai`i Submarine. The high-tech submarine will make Hawai`i its home as part of the activities marking the 50th Anniversary of Statehood.

High tech's big step forward

Lt. Governor Aiona on Saturday will address representatives of the high-tech industry in Hawai`i. He is scheduled to speak at the Tech Hui Conference being held at the University of Hawai`i. The conference comes as Lt. Governor Aiona looks to help broaden the state's reach into high-technology industries.

Closing Big Island prison

The Kulani Correctional Facility on the Big Island will be closed as a result of the state's $2.8 billion budget shortfall, according to the Hawai`i Department of Public Safety. The move is expected to save the department about $2.8 million annually. It is costing the state $6 million a year to run the facility, which houses 123 inmates.

Change of command

Lt. Governor Aiona today participates in a change-of-command ceremony at Fort Shafter. Major General Raymond Mason is being replaced by Brigadier General Michael Terry. Lt. Governor Aiona's participation in the event reflects the Administration's support of the military in Hawai`i.

Maintaining focus on the road

Lt. Governor Aiona and state transportation officials today are rolling out a new round of messages aimed at helping drivers maintain focus during the back-school-school season. Called "Beat the School Jam," the annual campaign is designed to raise public awareness about the increased traffic from the 178,000 students statewide who are returning to classes.

Pushing for a greener Hawai`i

Lt. Governor Aiona today visits Maui, where he will help open a symposium on tax-planning options at the King Kamehameha Golf Club. Hot topics include tax credits for energy-efficient homes as homeowners who buy solar systems have been eligible for a tax credit.