eNewsletter
Statement
Interim Director of Land and Natural Resources Appointed, State Conservation Efforts Discussed by Governor
At the 15th Annual Hawai`i Conservation Conference, Governor Lingle announced she has appointed Laura H. Thielen to serve as interim director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Thielen will begin her new job on July 30.
"We have a great working relationship with [Laura]," said Jeff Mikulina, director of the Sierra Club - Hawai`i Chapter. "We look forward to working with her at DLNR and hope she can continue some of the conservation success that (former director) Peter Young initiated."
The Governor also shared the state's efforts to "lead by example" and work collaboratively with environmental organizations, the private sector, government agencies, native Hawaiian groups, educational institutions and the community to protect and enhance Hawai`i's environment and natural resources.
"Conservation doesn't mean staying the way we are," the Governor said. "Conservation will take innovation to be successful."
In addition, Governor Lingle joined the Hawai`i Conservation Alliance in recognizing 25 students for their achievements as part of the "My Hawai`i" environmental writing contest. The contest was an education outreach project for middle schools and intermediate schools statewide. The Hawai`i Conservation Alliance and Pacific Rim Concepts asked students to describe their feelings about Hawai`i's environment in a 1,000-word essay or 150-word poem. The top 25 entries were published in an anthology and honored with a commendation from the Governor.
State Breaks Ground on Affordable Rental Housing Facility
"This project will give senior citizens and their families hope for a safe and decent place to live," Governor Lingle said at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new affordable rental housing facility for seniors in Kapolei.
The Governor also shared the importance of providing affordable housing for Hawai`i's aging population, as more than 238,000 people living in the State of Hawai`i are senior citizens.
The residence is located in A`eloa, Village 2 in the state's master-planned community, the Villages of Kapolei, and is a public-private partnership between the state Hawai`i Housing Finance Development Corporation, developer Pacific Housing Assistance Corporation and federal and county agencies. It will provide 60 one-bedroom units and a multipurpose community center, which will include restrooms, kitchen, lanai area and a maintenance room.
Honoring the 35th Anniversary of Title IX
Governor Lingle, members of the Board of Education, Department of Education personnel, athletic directors and high school student-athletes gathered at Farrington High School to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the enactment of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the landmark law that prohibits sexual discrimination in education.
"Title IX goes beyond sports," Governor Lingle said. "It covers discrimination in all areas of education and, today, provides more opportunities for girls in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education."
The Governor also recognized five outstanding Hawai`i public high schools with the Gender Equity in Athletics Award and encouraged student-athletes to become more involved in other competitive programs, including robotics.
Governor Dedicates Playground at Pai`olu Kaiaulu Homeless Transitional Shelter
Governor Lingle joined individuals and families staying at the state's Pai`olu Kaiaulu homeless transitional shelter and members of the community in dedicating new playground equipment that was recently donated and installed by volunteers. "You are changing lives and you are giving children a chance for a better life," the Governor said as she thanked volunteers.
The playground was made possible through donations from Ko Olina Charities and Pacific Recreation, as well as local businesses and community organizations. Ko Olina also donated linens to the shelter this week.
"I don't [have] to play in the parking lot [outside] the building. I get to play on a nice, new playground." said Raeana Lewis, a young resident of the shelter.
On Saturday, employees from the Department of Public Safety will join Pai`olu Kaiaulu residents at a monthly birthday celebration for children at the shelter. Department of Public Safety employees will distribute backpacks filled with school supplies.
The shelter opened on March 1 as part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's efforts to work with the community and other partners to find solutions to the homeless problem in Hawai`i. Since that time, more than two-thirds of those who have left the shelter have transitioned to other housing. Pai`olu Kaiaulu currently serves approximately 200 people, including 83 children, who were previously living on beaches or in parks along O`ahu's Leeward Coast.
Pearl City Marching Band Honored by Governor
The Governor welcomed members of the Pearl City High School Band to the State Capitol to share their recent experience in performing on the Great Wall of China as part of the Beijing Olympic International Youth Festival. Students told Governor Lingle that performing on the Great Wall was a highlight of their trip and discussed their overall impressions of China. The Pearl City Band was one of only two marching bands from the United States invited to participate in the event earlier this month in Beijing as a prelude to the 2008 Olympic Games.
Hawai`i's Economic Forecast
"This month, Forbes magazine ranked Hawai`i's economic climate as the second best in the nation. Forbes also upgraded Hawai`i's business climate ranking from last in the nation in 2002 to 37th, five spots higher than last year.
These national rankings are a testament to the resilience and hard work of Hawai`i's businesses and employees. In addition, my Administration has worked collaboratively with the private sector to lower the cost of doing business.
Hawai`i's economy is projected to grow by a healthy 2.5 percent this year. In addition, new construction building permits increased 8 percent last year and personal income is up 6.1 percent in the first quarter of this year.
As we move forward, we will continue to focus on innovative ways to improve our economy, raise our standard of living and enhance the creativity and productivity of our workforce."
In continuation of a tradition that began 50 years ago, Schofield Barracks' 27th Infantry Regiment welcomed to Hawai`i orphans from Japan's Holy Family Home.
The children, two boys and two girls will be the guests of six Wolfhound families.
"The purpose of this event is to continue the established traditions of providing love, gentleness, care and compassion to the orphans of the Holy Family Home," said Lt. Col. Rich "Flip" Wilson, an organizer of the event and commander of the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment.
In addition to hosting children in their Hawai`i homes, Wolfhound soldiers also travel to the home each December to deliver gifts from the regiment to the children.
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
Health
As part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's continued support of higher education, Dr. Chiyome Fukino, director of the State Department of Health, attended the University of Hawai`i's John A. Burns School of Medicine's "White Coat Ceremony," where she congratulated 62 incoming students and presented each with a commendation on behalf of the Governor and Lt. Governor. Of the 62 students, 55 are from Hawai`i.
In addition to a signed commendation, students also received a lab coat and stethoscope and were administered a beginner's Hippocratic Oath, "to never do harm."
The medical school's mission is to teach and train high quality physicians, biomedical students, and allied health professionals for Hawai`i and the Pacific, and to conduct both clinical and basic research in areas of specific interest to our community and region. The school is the most culturally and ethnically diverse medical school in the country and its student body mirrors the rich diversity of the state's population.
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