Daily Blog

Lt. Governor's Daily Blog

08/21/2009 - 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.

08/20/2009 - 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.

08/19/2009 - 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.

08/17/2009 - 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.

08/14/2009 - 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.

08/13/2009 - 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.

08/12/2009 - 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.

08/11/2009 - 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.

08/10/2009 - "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.

08/08/2009 - 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.

08/07/2009 - 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.

08/05/2009 - 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.

08/04/2009 - 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.

08/03/2009 - "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.

08/02/2009 - 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.

08/01/2009 - 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.

07/31/2009 - 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.

07/30/2009 - 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.

07/29/2009 - 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.

07/28/2009 - 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.