2009 June

Closing the budget gap

The Lingle-Aiona Administration today lays out the options being considered to close a budget deficit stemming from continued slumping state revenue figures. Gov. Linda Lingle will address the options in a public address scheduled for 1 p.m., and will be aired on television, radio and online.

Raising standards for public schools

Hawai`i has joined other states in a new nationwide program aimed at raising the standards to teach public school students the skills needed to compete in economies where globalization and technology together are creating the potential for startling changes in how they will do their jobs in the workplace of the future and the offices they will do them in.

Leading by example

Lt. Governor Aiona will take a 5 percent pay cut under a bill that has been signed into law. He joins Governor Linda Lingle, legislators, judges and other senior officials in an effort to lead by example with reduced salaries as the Administration seeks to close a budget gap stemming from global economic conditions. The pay cuts take effect July 1, 2009, and will remain in effect through June 30, 2011.

'Talk story' with the Lt. Governor

In his weekly radio call-in show today on Honolulu's KHVH 830 AM, Lt. Governor Aiona discusses high-profile issues, including Hawai`i's first-ever furloughs that begin for all state employees on July 1. The furloughs are part of a cash-saving move ordered by Governor Linda Lingle on June 1.

Boosting agriculture in Hawai`i

Lt. Governor Aiona today speaks to livestock farmers during their annual meeting at the Pearl Country Club in Honolulu. The speaking engagement comes as the Administration focuses on protecting and strengthening agriculture in Hawai`i.

Kamehameha Lei Draping

Lt. Governor Aiona today visits Hilo to participate in a major community event that honors King Kamehameha. The 13th annual Ka`ahulei `O Kamehameha Lei Draping is set for 5 p.m. at Wailoa State Park.

Promoting aerospace in Hawai`i

Lt. Governor Aiona on Saturday will address the graduating class of Embry Briddle Aeronautical University. The graduates are pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace at a time when the Lingle-Aiona Administration is focused on developing those industries in the state.

Solar-water heater requirement

Lt. Governor Aiona is taking steps to raise awareness about statewide efforts to equip new homes with solar hot-water heaters starting in 2010. As part of the effort, June 21, 2009 marks the beginning of "Solar Water Heating Week" in Hawai`i, which became the first state to require solar water heaters in new homes.

Live radio in Hilo

Lt. Governor Aiona today discusses high-profile state issues during his new montly radio show on KPUA-AM 670 on Hilo. Topics include steps being taken by the Administration to clear hurdles in the state's path to economic recovery.

"Talk Story with Lt. Governor Aiona

Lt. Governor Aiona today discusses state issues on his call-in radio show with KHVH 830 AM host Rick Hamada. To participate, listeners can call (808) 521-8383 from O`ahu or (888) 565-8383 from the Neighbor Islands with questions and comments.

Maui radio show

Lt. Governor Aiona today engages for an hour regular listeners of a call-in show on Maui, starting at 7 a.m. The Administration's furlough plan is expected to dominate the morning drive-time discussion on KAOI Radio Station.

Cookie dough products recalled

The state Department of Health is warning Hawai`i consumers not to eat recalled Nestle Toll House cookie dough products. The company has voluntarily recalled varieties of prepackaged, refrigerated cookie dough after a number of illnesses were reported nationally by those who ate the dough raw. Public health officials in Hawai`i said consumers who don't heed their warning risk getting E.Coli illnesses that might be related to the ingestion of the raw cookie dough.

New law forces dentists to polish marketing pitch

A new bill recently signed into law gives a state board sweeping powers to revoke or suspend the license of a dentist for false or misleading advertising in Hawai`i. The new authority is handed to the Board of Dental Examiners at a time when whiter, brighter and straighter teeth are the stars in print ads and TV commercials for dentists.

Turning to last resort in budget crisis

As state employees brace for furloughs of three days a month over the next two years, Lt. Governor Aiona has been emphasizing in his call-in radio shows that "we now have a government that we cannot afford." He adds that the Administration has been forced to take the drastic step because of the enormous fiscal pressure Hawai`i faces with state revenues in a free fall, creating a $2.7 billion budget deficit.

New state law aids students in military families

Hawai`i has joined more than a dozen other states in enacting a law that will ease the transition for children who must repeatedly change schools during the course of their parents' military careers. The constant change and differences in school requirements prompted the concept of an Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. Hawai`i joined the compact when the legislature approved the bill and Gov. Linda Lingle signed it into law June 25.

"Talk Story" with Lt. Governor Aiona

In his weekly radio call-in show today on Honolulu's KHVH 830 AM, Lt. Governor Aiona will discuss state issues with host Mike Buck. Potential topics include bills from the 2009 legislative session that could be vetoed.

Selecting a chief judge

Lt. Governor Aiona is urging Hawai`i residents 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. The deadline to comment is Wednesday, July 8. Comments can be faxed to (808) 586-0006, or e-mailed to Governor.Lingle@hawaii.gov.

Potential veto list released

Lt. Governor Aiona has issued a statement regarding a list of 65 bills that are being considered for potential vetoes. "These bills are open for discussion, so I encourage our residents to get involved and voice their opinions," Lt. Governor Aiona said. "Now is the time to speak up. There is no question that many of these bills will draw strong emotions from all sides, and it is critical that they are viewed in the broader context of what is the best for our residents and our state going forward."