Governor Lingle on the Issues
Economy
"There are national rankings of states, whether or not they are a good place to do business, whether or not the economic foundation is solid, whether or not they are headed in the right direction. We certainly are."
“Our Administration is going to be looking at regulation in general to see if there are additional places that we can help to reduce the burden on business because they are going to face a tough time with rising expenses.”
“Our state's economic growth has slowed, but it has not stopped. Many important indicators show moderate growth, that, when contrasted with the rest of the nation, is an enormous positive and enviable position for Hawai'i.”
“We have been willing to exercise fiscal discipline when others were willing to spend everything they had. My Administration takes a prudent approach to spending and makes certain that we don't spend more money than we have and leave the people of our state to suffer for our lack of fiscal discipline and integrity.”
Energy
“Hawai`i has an incredible opportunity for fundamental change. The state's diverse natural resources rival anyplace on Earth and include solar, wind, geothermal, ocean energy and biofuel sources of energy.”
“Energy security and climate change are issues that transcend borders,"
“In addition to solar, it is critical that we continue to develop innovative energy solutions that capitalize on our natural renewable resource advantages in order to achieve our goal of having 70 percent clean energy in Hawai`i by 2030.”
“An important component of securing our economic future requires that we develop a variety of innovative solutions to reduce our overdependence on imported fuel.”
“The Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative is an innovative, unprecedented partnership that builds on the progress the state has made to increase energy independence by decreasing Hawai‘i’s reliance on imported oil. Our islands' abundant natural sources of energy, combined with the considerable capabilities of the Department of Energy, will help Hawai`i lead America in utilizing clean, renewable energy technologies.”
Innovation
“Our future is dependent upon innovation. It is truly tied to what is going to happen with our young people here in Hawai`i and around the world.”
“Through partnerships to develop innovation and clean energy, we are creating a better Hawai`i for future generations.”
“Athletics are valuable, but only an elite few will become professional athletes. It's a different story for people with math skills. You will drive technology and innovation in the 21st century and help our state develop renewable energy technology.”
Student Robotics
“Lt. Governor Aiona and I love sports, but there is no athlete on this planet who is going to solve the renewable energy problem. They are not going to find the cure for Alzheimer's because they have a great three-point shot. You are going to be the ones.”
Preserving "What Makes Hawai`i Special"
“Our goal is to encourage people to respect and protect our natural and cultural resources, and to make it their personal responsibility to be stewards of Hawai`i's precious environment.”
“I firmly believe we cannot speculate or sell ourselves into prosperity. There is a time and a place for large-scale land development projects... but there is also a time and place to preserve our natural environment and our heritage. The Turtle Bay property is the place and now is the time.”
“Preservation successes here on the North Shore show how we can create a sustainable model by working together.”
Investing in Hawai`i's Infrastructure
“While Hawai‘i’s overall economy continues to show positive growth, this new fiscal environment along with global economic factors require that the state maintain fiscal prudence in managing our budget and that we exercise judicious spending of taxpayers' money.”
“Ongoing investment in the repair and modernization of our small-boat harbor infrastructure will ensure the facilities are safe for boaters and commuters, and that our fragile marine environment is protected.”
Visitor Arrivals
"We have to narrow our marketing efforts and focus on high-visitor states like California... The best way for us to get tourism back on track is to go to the places that have the closest people who are used to going to Hawai`i, where it is the least expensive to get here."
“We've been in discussions with every major airline, both the legacy carriers as well as the independent-type, smaller carriers about additional flights into the state. You see Alaska adding more flights, you see Delta adding in Kona and Lihue flights. So, we’re doing everything we can. It’s all about getting more seats into the state and then filling those seats; but you need the seats before you can convince people to come here.”
“We're over reliant on the visitor industry, over reliant on land development, and we need to move away from that.”
