Governor's Weekly Newsletter

Governor's Weekly Newsletter

On this Mother's Day, we are honored to pay tribute to mothers throughout Hawai`i.

Mothers in Hawai`i and throughout the world are the emotional centers of their families, offering guidance, understanding, and love. It is a mother's warm hug and kind words that bring a sparkle to our children's eyes.

Mothers are also the foundation of their families, as they compassionately help children strive to realize their potential. Despite leading busy lives, moms in Hawai`i always find time to listen to their keiki, while passing on the spirit of aloha we all feel in our special home.

To honor Hawai`i mothers serving our country overseas in the armed forces, let us join their loved ones here at home by pausing for a moment of reflection and prayer.

And to all mothers throughout our state, we wish them the very best on this special day.

Aloha,

Governor Lingle Receives "A Home for Every American" Award

The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) presented Governor Lingle with the inaugural "A Home for Every American" Award for her outstanding partnership, political will, innovation, and results in ending chronic homelessness in Hawai`i. USICH Executive Director Philip Mangano presented the award to the Governor via a videoconference during the National Summit on Chronic Homelessness held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. Mangano praised Governor Lingle for working with the business community and federal and county governments to end homelessness in Hawai`i. "Governor Lingle has challenged the business community, the tourism authority, localities and other stakeholders to join her in a partnership to end another scourge: homelessness in Hawai`i," Mangano said. Mangano was in Hawai`i in January 2005 to help the Governor unveil the Administration's 10-year plan to end chronic homelessness.

Hawai`i Council on Economic Education Honors Governor Lingle

The Hawai`i Council on Economic Education (HCEE) presented Governor Lingle with the prestigious Stephen L. Jackstadt Award for her continued support of economic education and the Hawai`i Stock Market Simulation program. She is only the second woman to receive the award since its inception 20 years ago. The Hawai`i Stock Market Simulation is a 10-week online program, run by HCEE, that teaches students about saving for the future and making smart investment choices.

Governor Signs Legislation to Promote Energy-Efficiency

Governor Lingle signed into law HB 2175 which marks a milestone in her Energy for Tomorrow vision. The bill is part of a bold and strategic energy plan which encourages and supports market-based development of reliable, cost-effective, and self-reliant energy for Hawai`i. "Through this new law we have engaged state agencies to Lead by Example to establish a secure energy and economic future for the people of Hawai`i," the Governor said. "This new law, which was passed with bipartisan support by the Legislature, will help state agencies increase energy efficiency and will set an example for residents and businesses to embrace energy conservation and support energy alternatives." The Governor presented a copy of the ceremonial bill to Representative Mina Morita who said, "I am so glad that we've taken this big step under the leadership of Governor Lingle and under the leadership of DBEDT... they really have a Cracker Jack team."

Governor Signs Bills to Protect Victims of Crime

Governor Lingle, joined by Attorney General Mark Bennett, county prosecutors, law enforcement officials, legislators and victims rights advocates, signed bills to provide justice for victims of crime. The bills signed include the "Three Strikes Law" (SB 2260) to establish a mandatory sentence of 30 years to life for habitual violent felons who have been convicted of three separate violent felonies such as murder, rape, kidnapping, robbery, and home burglary. She also signed a bill (SB2265) that mandates a minimum one-year prison sentence for those convicted preying on children by using computers to try to entice young children to have sex. A third bill (HB2278) provides $2.3 million for treatment and protection programs for victims of sexual violence as well as for DNA testing of convicted felons.

Governor Lingle Welcomes Participants to Pacific Rim Safety and Health Conference

Governor Lingle welcomed delegates to the 2006 Pacific Rim Safety and Health Conference organized by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) and the American Society of Safety Engineers. The conference brought together both state and federal government, unions and private industry in a common goal of keeping Hawai`i's workers safe. The Governor highlighted DLIR's efforts, under the leadership of Director Nelson Befitel, to enhance workplace safety and thanked conference participants for their role in the state's construction industry boom.

Environmental Group Recognizes Governor Lingle

Governor Lingle was a featured speaker at The Nature Conservancy's Annual Celebration. Conservancy members thanked Governor Lingle for her commitment to the environment, and for seeking collaborative solutions to protect and preserve Hawai`i's heritage and natural beauty. In appreciation of her efforts, the Governor was presented with a framed painting of a "Maui Parrotbill" by local artist Robert Wagstaff.

Governor Promotes Water Conservation at American Water Works Annual Conference

Governor Lingle addressed the state's water conservation efforts at the American Water Works Association's (AWWA) Annual Conference. The Governor acknowledged the importance of an MOU signed between DLNR and 50 public and private companies in 2005 to form the Hawai`i Association of Watershed Partnerships to conserve Hawai`i's water resources. "This agreement is an example of how the state is making an effort to conserve water," Governor Lingle said.

Governor Lingle Pays Tribute
to Hawai`i Troops

As part of Military Appreciation Month, Governor Lingle attended the USO "Salute to Our Troops" parade, which included members of every branch of the Armed Forces and veterans. During the program that followed, the Governor thanked the men and women of our nation's military for their daily, significant sacrifices in support of our freedom. "I don't just have a heart for you," the Governor said, "you are in my heart."

2006 LEGISLATIVE SESSION IN REVIEW

"The 2006 legislative session was a collaborative process that will prove to have positive long-term benefits for all the people of Hawai`i. Together with the legislature, we now have a comprehensive strategy to promote energy self-sufficiency and reduce Hawai`i's dependence on oil. We passed a new Three Strikes law to protect the community from violent criminals. We focused on the needs of the homeless and the affordable housing shortage, allocating close to $50 million in new funding. We worked to enhance our emergency and natural disaster preparedness. And while I believe lawmakers did not go far enough in providing tax relief, I am encouraged that they increased the standard deduction for the first time since 1989 and widened tax brackets. I want to thank everyone who got involved in the legislative process. Your voices truly made a difference." Click here to listen to this address.

Governor Lingle will host the Third Annual International Women's Leadership Conference on August 29 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel & Resort in Honolulu. Click here for information about speakers and registration information about this exciting conference.

The following is an excerpt from an e-mail written by Jim Sweeney, and shared by Barbara Guss, in memory of Staff Sgt. Jason C. Ramseyer:

"When the Marines looked at SSgt Ram, they saw the true meaning of 'The Ultimate Warrior.' From his martial arts accomplishments (Martial Arts Instructor Trainer-the highest in the USMC) that earned him the name 'Bonecrusher,' to the way he carried himself on a daily basis always setting the example and challenging his Marines, to the quiet discussions about his family and how much he deeply loved and cared for them. His presence and the time we all experienced and shared with him will be truly missed.

Ram was a true professional, proficient in everything he did, honorable, loyal, never critical without being constructive. He was a loving husband and a caring, patient father. Most of all he was a great person and an outstanding Marine."

We invite you to submit digital photos of your loved ones who are serving our country in the defense of freedom and liberty around the world. Please e-mail your photos and a brief caption to governor.lingle@hawaii.gov .

Department of the Week
Agriculture

Sandra Lee Kunimoto, chairperson of the Board of Agriculture joined Governor Lingle and Lt. Governor Aiona to launch the "Hawai`i Seals of Quality" program this week. "The Seals of Quality will differentiate premium Hawai`i agriculture and products from the rest," said Kunimoto. "Hawai`i has one of the strongest brand identities in the world and protecting it will add value to the best commodities Hawai`i has to offer." At the launch, 12 Hawai`i companies were recognized as founding members of the Seals of Quality Program, representing products ranging from fruits and vegetables to nursery products, coffee and homegrown beef, to value-added products.

In the News

Gov. Lingle earns praise for work with homeless
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 12, 2006

Chief Mahuna says new law is a deterrent to crime
Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, May 9, 2006

State adopts three-strikes law
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 9, 2006

Seal aims to capitalize on Hawai`i tourism image
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 10, 2006

'Hawai`i Seal of Quality' finally takes off
Honolulu Advertiser, May 9, 2006

Bunda: This session was productive
The Maui News, May 8, 2006

Uninsured to get state help
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 9, 2006

http://www.hawaii.gov/gov/news/enewsletter/2006/May%206-12%2C2006