2008

Department of the Week - Attorney General

 

Department of the Week - 2.01.08

 

Department of the Week - February 8

 

Department of the Week - February 8

 

Department of the Week - Health

 

Department of the Week - February 22

 

Featured Department - Public Safety

 

Department of Health Honored

 

Department of the Week - Transportation

As part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's ongoing efforts to modernize Hawai`i's airports and make them more convenient, the Department of Transportation has opened new cell phone waiting lots at airports statewide.

Department of the Week - Land and Natural Resources

The Department of Land and Natural Resources recently reopened Polihale State Park at the west end of Kaua`i as well as Kula Forest Preserve on Maui thanks in part to the collaborative efforts of community partners.

Department of the Week - Budget & Finance

The state Department of Budget and Finance announced it has returned $22,269,449 of previously unclaimed property to its rightful owners over the past five-and-a half years.

Department in Action - Labor & Industrial Relations

Following Monday's announcement that Moloka`i Ranch would close and leave 120 residents without jobs, the state has mobilized a "rapid response" team consisting of key staff from the departments of Labor and Industrial Relations, Human Services and Hawaiian Home Lands.

Department in Action - Land and Natural Resources

To encourage Hawai`i residents to respect and protect our resources, the Lingle-Aiona Administration is asking the Legislature to pass three important bills that will increase penalties for violations of laws that protect our natural resources, environment and public lands.

Department in Action - Transportation

The Department of Transportation is moving forward on the construction of the new Kealakaha Stream Bridge on Hawai`i Belt Road.

Department in Action - Land & Natural Resources

As part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's ongoing efforts to protect Hawai`i's natural resources, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) joined community partners at the Mauka to Makai Expo - part of the planned Earth Day events at the Waikiki Aquarium and in the Ala Wai ahupua`a watershed.

Department in Action - Defense

For its efforts to restore Diamond Head Crater to a more natural condition, the Hawai`i Army National Guard was awarded the Army's highest honor in environmental stewardship: the Secretary of the Army Environmental Award.

Department in Action - Health

Dr. Chiyome Fukino, director of the state Department of Health (DOH), this week delivered keynote remarks to participants of conferences that focused on tobacco control, diabetes and cancer in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations.

Department in Action - Budget & Finance

The State of Hawai`i successfully sold $400 million in general obligation bonds this week to fund various capital projects of the State, including public school facilities, University of Hawai`i projects and other statewide capital projects.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Builds Communities

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) broke ground this week on the $17.3 million East-West Collector Road in East Kapolei that will dramatically improve the quality of life for area residents.

Department in Action - Land and Natural Resources

This week, the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association selected Waikiki's Kuhio Beach as a winner of its 2008 Best Restored Beach Award.

Department in Action - Commerce and Consumer Affairs

As part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's initiative to increase access to state government, this month the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' (DCCA) Professional and Vocational Licensing Division (PVL) reported an increase in online renewals for professional licensees.

Human Services Rallies in Support of TANF Funding

Lillian Koller, director of the Department of Human Services (DHS) and Barry Fukunaga, Governor Lingle's Chief of Staff, called on the State Legislature this week to reverse its misguided decision to restrict the spending of $28.2 million in federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds for the upcoming fiscal year.

Land and Natural Resources Protects Another 16,000 Acres

As part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's ongoing efforts to protect and preserve what is special about Hawai`i, the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced that another 16,000 acres of native forest lands along the Big Island's Kona coast will be permanently protected through funds provided by the Federal Forest Legacy Program.

Department in Action - Hawaiian Home Lands

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and Hawai`i Debartolo LLC announced this week they have finalized a lease option agreement to develop a multimillion dollar shopping center complex that will improve the quality of life for Leeward O`ahu residents.

Department in Action - Transportation

To encourage more O`ahu commuters to carpool and reduce traffic congestion, the department will change the minimum ridership requirement for the H-1 Freeway ZipperLane and the Nimitz Highway Contraflow Lane from two to three riders.

Kurt Kawafuchi Honored as Outstanding CPA in Government

The Hawai`i Society of Certified Public Accountants (CPA) honored Kurt Kawafuchi, director of the Department of Taxation as their 2008 Outstanding CPA in Government.

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Adds Online Services

As part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's ongoing initiative to provide businesses with innovative and efficient online government services, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' (DCCA) Business Registration Division announced the launch of new online services this week.

Department of Transportation Opens Second Cell Phone Waiting Lot at HNL

The Department of Transportation opened a second cell phone waiting area at Honolulu International Airport to allow motorists to park for free while they wait for a cell phone call from passengers on arriving flights.

State Returns $6 Million in Unclaimed Property

The state Department of Budget and Finance returned a record $5,937,936 in previously unclaimed property to their rightful owners in fiscal year 2008. Between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008, the state paid 9,748 claims to individuals and businesses, the highest number of claims in one year, thanks to an increased outreach effort to reunite the funds with their owners or heirs.

Tax Director Kawafuchi Earns National Recognition

State Tax Director Kurt Kawafuchi was honored as the 2008 Outstanding CPA in Government by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) for his work to streamline department operations, increasing both efficiency and performance.

Cabinet Members Lecture at Harvard University

Two of Governor Lingle's Cabinet members involved with the State's $2.3 billion Airports Modernization Plan have been invited by the Harvard University Graduate School of Design to be instructors at the school's executive education program.

Administration Assists Displaced Workers

The Hawai`i Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) continues to focus on assisting employees who have been laid off recently.

Department of Land and Natural Resources Keeps Oceans Clean

Working with community partners and organizations, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is keeping Hawai`i's beaches clean and safe for residents to enjoy.

State Agencies Partner to Prevent Fraud

Building on the Lingle-Aiona Administration's successful efforts to help the public fight fraud, the State of Hawai`i Executive Office on Aging, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Department of the Attorney General have developed the Hawai`i Fraud Prevention and Resource Guide.

Construction Underway for Sterile Corridor

Moving forward on the Lingle-Aiona Administration's 12-year, $2.3 billion Airports Modernization Plan to upgrade Hawai`i's airports, construction started this week on a new International Arrivals Sterile Corridor at Honolulu International Airport.