Governor Highlights Kaua`i Economy

"With the business community as a partner in our efforts to carry out long-term economic strategies, I truly believe we can build a brighter future for Kaua`i and our state," the Governor said during a luncheon with the Kaua`i Chamber of Commerce.

The Governor cautioned the business community not to "hunker down and weather the storm." Instead, they should "invest in their employees and end up better prepared when the storm clears than when it arrived."

The population on Kaua`i is projected to grow 38 percent by 2035, to 85,100 residents. In order to prepare for this increase in population and to spur economic growth, the Administration remains committed to investing in Kaua`i's infrastructure.

The state has committed to $86 million in highway improvement projects, including the four-lane widening of Kuhio Highway from the Kapa`a temporary bypass road to Wailua Bridge.

In addition, $58.2 million of the state's $2.3 billion, 12-year Airports Modernization Plan is targeted to recent or planned improvements at Lihu`e Airport, including baggage claim and air-conditioning improvements, and a project to improve and expand the parking lot.

The Lingle-Aiona Administration is also focusing on initiatives to fundamentally transform the economy over the long-term.

Energy independence is a major part of this effort.

"Breaking oil addiction and increasing our energy independence isn't just a desire; it's a necessity," the Governor said.

To achieve this, the Administration has made significant progress, including the launch of the Hawai`i Clean Energy Initiative, which seeks to obtain 70 percent of the state's power from clean and renewable energy sources within one generation, and the Department of Transportation project to install solar arrays at 10 transportation facilities statewide, including Lihu`e Airport.

The pursuit of innovation is critically important to the future of the state and the foundation of the Hawai`i Innovation Initiative, which is designed to develop the limitless potential of human ingenuity.

A key component of the Hawai`i Innovation Initiative is the development of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills among students. With STEM academies at every public high school, Kaua`i is positioned to be a leader in innovation. In addition to STEM academies, the Governor explained students can gain critical thinking, communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills that will better prepare them to enter the 21st-century work force through student robotics.

• "Lingle promises help for Kaua`i," Honolulu Advertiser, June 18, 2008
• "Lingle: Hawai`i must ease oil reliance," The Garden Island, June 18, 2008