Governor's Weekly Highlights
Governor's Weekly Highlights
Celebrating our Success: Tax Relief for All Hawai`i Residents
Governor Lingle announced the Administration closed the State's fiscal year 2005 books with an ending General Fund balance of $486 million, as compared to a $130 million gap for FY03 and a $175 million gap for FY04. The state Department of Budget and Finance currently projects a FY 2006 ending balance of $473 million; 10% of anticipated revenues for that year. This would meet the constitutional criteria of two consecutive years with general fund balances exceeding 5%. The constitution mandates the Legislature issues refunds to taxpayers by 2007. The governor however, recommends the tax refund be implemented by the legislature in 2006. The Council on Revenues is scheduled to meet again September 2, 2005 and it is anticipated their projection will present a positive outlook, which should result in generous tax relief for all Hawai`i's taxpayers.
Celebrating our Success: Jobless Rate Holds for Third Straight Month
"The state's job growth has truly benefited from the ongoing economic expansion and improving business climate."
- Director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Nelson Befitel commenting on the state's expanding job market.
Celebrating our Success: Continued Economic Strength Predicted
"We continue to be pleased with Hawai`i's current economic performance and optimistic about the year to come. In July, our robust job growth once again made Hawai`i's unemployment rate the lowest in the nation."
- Director of the Department Business Economic Development and Tourism, Ted Liu discussing the state's positive economic outlook.
Governor Visits Brushfire Site
Governor Lingle conducted an aerial inspection of areas affected by the latest brushfire in Nanakuli on O`ahu's Wai`anae coast. Following her tour, the Governor visited the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) command center to discuss the impact to state land, highway infrastructure and the community with HFD Chief Atillo Leonardi and Assistant Chief Alvin Tomita. She also discussed the State's efforts to coordinate with city and federal agencies and the military in controlling the fire. Governor Lingle was joined by Major General Robert Lee, State Adjutant General; Peter Young, director, Dept. of Land and Natural Resources; Rod Haraga, director, Dept. of Transportation; Ed Teixeira, vice director, State Civil Defense; and Honolulu Fire Department officials. Photo: Ed Teixeira, vice director, State Civil Defense;HFD Chief Leonardi and Assistant Chief Tomita.
Ground Broken for First State Veterans Home
The Governor participated in the official groundbreaking ceremony for the State Veterans Home (SVH), a 95-bed long-term care home and adult daycare center located on the Hilo Medical Center (HMC) campus. The SVH will help relieve overcrowding at long-term care facilities statewide and meet the nation's commitment to the military community by providing for their health and welfare in recognition of their distinguished service to our country. In 2003, Governor Lingle released $10 million to fund the project, which should be completed by January 2007. Currently, only three states, Alaska, Delaware, and Hawai`i, do not have a State Veterans Home.
Keeping Kaua`i Residents on the Move
Governor Linda Lingle and Kauai Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste held a joint news conference on Kaua`i to discuss the state's plans to help alleviate the daily traffic congestion facing island motorists traveling the Wailua corridor. "We've listened to the people of Kauai and are optimistic that the plans we've come up with will ease the traffic flow in that area," said Mayor Baptiste. "I'd like to acknowledge Governor Lingle for her commitment to helping us resolve this problem." Photo: Kaua`i Mayor Bryan Baptiste; Governor Lingle and Brennan Morioka, deputy director of highways, Department of Transportation.
Kathleen Watanabe Sworn-In as Judge of the Fifth Circuit Court
Nominated by Governor Lingle, Kathleen Watanabe was sworn-in as Judge of the Fifth Circuit Court in Kaua`i. Chief Justice Ronald Moon administered the oath to Watanabe, a Kaua`i native and former director of the state Department of Human Resources Development.
Boards and Commissions Members Sworn-In
Governor Lingle visited Maui, Hilo and Kaua`i to preside over swearing-in ceremonies of newly appointed board and commission members and councils of advisors. There are more than 140 boards and commissions statewide with members who serve the public by providing input on legislation, administrative rules and regulations, and key issues to the state. To apply to serve on a board or commission, please click here. Photo: Hilo boards and commissi
Governor Lingle Appoints Darwin Ching to Board of Education
Governor Lingle appointed Honolulu attorney and former Department of Education social studies teacher Darwin Ching to the Board of Education (BOE). Ching ran for the Board of Education in 2004, and will fill the O`ahu at-large seat previously held by Shannon Ajifu, who passed away in June. His appointment takes effect immediately, and he will serve out the remainder of Ajifu's term, which ends in November 2006.
Governor Attends Procurement Conference
The Governor discussed opportunities for the public and private sectors to exchange innovative ideas on planning, procuring, contracting and delivering health and human services to the community at the 4th Conference on Purchases of Health and Human Services. The conference and expo, sponsored by the State Procurement Office, also included the Department of the Attorney General, Department of Education, Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Department of Public Safety.
Governor Lingle Releases $10,000,000 for Improvements at Kaua`i Community College
Governor Lingle presented a check to Kaua`i Community College Chancellor Peggy Cha during her visit to Kaua`i this week, for $10 million to cover construction and equipment costs for Phase I of a One-Stop Center. The center will consolidate the Administration, Student Services and Academic Support offices, which will provide all necessary services for enrolling students, testing, counseling, financial aid, registration, and business office services, in one location.
$798,000 Released by Governor to Support Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity Council
Governor Lingle released two grants-in-aid totaling $798,000 to the Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity Council (HCEOC) executive director, George Yokoyama. The HCEOC will use the first grant of $598,000 to purchase 10 new mini buses that will provide safe, reliable, efficient and cost-effective transportation for HCEOC's clients, which include approximately 850 elderly, 300 mentally and physically disabled persons and 350 pre-school students. A second grant for $200,000 will help fund the HCEOC's Orchid Tissue Laboratory Program, which is designed to help expand Hawai`i's orchid industry and in the process, create job opportunities for low-income, disadvantaged and welfare individuals.
Governor Provides State Funding for Dialysis Treatment on Maui
Governor Lingle presented a $170,000 grant-in-aid to Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) executive director, Gladys Baisa. The funds will enable the organization to provide transportation for patients needing nighttime dialysis treatment. The Governor visited MEO to take part in their 40th anniversary celebration and `Ohana Day festivities. "The state is proud of its partnership with MEO, and these funds are part of our continuing effort to ensure that those who need assistance, such as Maui's dialysis patients, will continue to have access to MEO's invaluable services," said Governor Lingle.
"Dedicated to Hawai`i's Troops"
Lt. Governor Aiona met with Schofield Barracks soldiers at the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Lock-Up. The soldiers were invited to participate in this event, which raises funds for Hawai`i residents living with one of 43 neuromuscular diseases and depend on services provided by MDA, because of their outstanding assistance as volunteers at the MDA summer camp.
We invite you to submit digital photos of your loved ones who are serving our country in the defense of freedom and liberty. Please e-mail your photos and a brief caption to governor.lingle@hawaii.gov.
Department of the Week- Business Economic Development and Tourism
The latest quarterly economic forecast issued by the Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) shows continued solid gains in employment, income and visitor arrivals for the rest of 2005 and through 2006. DBEDT expects Hawai`i's personal income to grow 3.4 percent in real terms this year and total wage and salary jobs are expected to increase 2.4 percent, compared with a 1.9 percent projection in the last forecast. "We continue to be pleased with Hawai`i's current economic performance and optimistic about the year to come," said DBEDT Director Ted Liu.
In the News
Lingle to seek taxpayer relief
Honolulu Adversiter, August 19, 2005
2.7 jobless rate holds for third straight month
Honolulu Advertiser, August 19, 2005
Personal income to grow 3.4% this year, state says
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, August 18, 2005
State ups its new-jobs estimate
Honolulu Advertiser, August 18, 2005
State now expects 7.4 million tourists
Pacific Business News, August 18, 2005
Gas cap would allow 30¢ hike, state says
Honolulu Advertiser, August 18, 2005
Groundbreaking ceremony held for state veterans home
West Hawai`i Today, August 17, 2005
One for the soldiers; center to be named for veteran
Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, August 17, 2005
New vets home will honor nisei soldier
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, August 18, 2005
Governor Lingle delivers grant to the HCEOC
Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, August 17, 2005
Manager of year promoted at tax office
Pacific Business News, August 18, 2005
Opening day goes smoothly for extended zipper lane
Honolulu Advertiser, August 16, 2005
Motorists, officials pleased with zipper lane
The Hawai`i Channel, August 15, 2005
http://www.hawaii.gov/gov/eNewsletters/August13-19