Governor Speaks to Maui Chamber of Commerce

"Without renewable energy and transportation infrastructure in place, Maui will struggle to survive when its population increases by nearly 50 percent in the next 27 years," the Governor said as she shared her Administration's initiatives to transform the state’s economy, pursue energy independence and update transportation infrastructure.

"We need to make giant strides. Baby steps aren’t going to take us where we need to go," the Governor said.

The Governor highlighted her Administration's initiative to "lead by example" and pursue greater energy independence for the state.

"Hawai`i has an incredible opportunity for fundamental change," she said. "The state's diverse natural resources rival anyplace on Earth and include solar, wind, geothermal, ocean energy and biofuel sources of energy."

Governor Lingle highlighted the state's progress in recent years, including Energy for Tomorrow legislation in 2006, the 2007 Global Warming Solutions Act and the Hawai`i Clean Energy Initiative, signed last week with the U.S. Department of Energy.

The Governor also discussed ongoing, as well as proposed transportation infrastructure improvements for Maui, including the Airports Modernization Plan, with more than $115 million in recent or planned projects for Kahului Airport, and the Harbors Modernization Plan, which proposes $345 million for Kahului harbor improvements as part of a six-year, $842 million statewide effort.

• Watch the Governor's remarks to the Maui Chamber of Commerce.