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Leading Hawai`i into the 21st Century

"Innovation is not just a passing idea, it is our pathway
to a higher standard of living and a brighter future"

- Governor Lingle



     Hawai‘i is at a crossroads. As an island society in a world driven by globalization and the blistering pace of the 21st century, there are decisions of incredible importance to be made so that Hawai‘i isn’t left behind, but rather leads.

     Our world is undergoing one of greatest transformations in history, as innovation, technology and science radically reshape our economy and lives. This model, which is fueled by the creative ability of people, and not consumption of resources, is perfect for Hawai‘i.

     Hawai‘i residents and the Lingle-Aiona Administration share a profound concern for preserving our state’s greatest assets: our unique natural resources, rich cultural diversity and special quality of life. The path of innovation allows these goals to be achieved.

     The Hawai‘i Innovation Initiative is a comprehensive plan to put our state at the crest of the global wave. Governor Lingle and her Administration recognize that we must dramatically decrease our dependence on land development as the primary engine of our economy. Instead, we must develop our greatest asset: our people and their unlimited potential to innovate.

     The initiative is springboarding innovation through education, the workforce, businesses, state government and international connections. The Governor announced the plan during her 2007 State of the State address last January, and the significant progress since then is setting a foundation for Hawai‘i’s dynamic future.

 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS


Education

  • Established STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) academies at all Kaua‘i high schools and Kīhei Charter School on Maui.
  • Created the FIRST (Fostering Inspiration and Relevance through Science and Technology) program at the University of Hawai‘i (UH) College of Engineering focused on setting up project-based learning programs for students grades 4 through 8.
  • Secured a $1 million grant from NASA to hold the regional competition of the FIRST Robotics Competition in Hawai‘i for four years. The inaugural Hawai‘i regional is happening March 27-29, 2008 at UH-Mānoa’s Stan Sheriff Center. A total of 25 Hawai‘i schools are participating.
  • Established a business/education internship and mentorship program within the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT).

Economy

  • Secured $400,000 over the next two years to lease laboratory and office space for a life sciences incubator and innovation center in Kaka‘ako. The facility will contain the first-ever private Class A web lab in the state that will serve as a life sciences research center and catalyst facility for the commercialization of biotechnology research.
  • Established the Hawai‘i Innovation Council to serve as the principal advisory group to the Lingle-Aiona Administration on innovation policy issues, as well as specific measures and actions that the state can take to improve Hawai‘i’s innovation capacity.
  • Revived the state’s Office of Space Industry, providing it with a new name, expanded responsibilities and funding. The renamed Office of Aerospace Development within DBEDT will identify and promote aerospace-related industries in Hawai‘i. The measure also authorizes the office to assist UH, local companies, research institutions and other organizations in establishing private-public-education partnerships that can promote the aerospace industry.
     

Workforce Development

  • Signed a cooperative agreement with NASA to support its Vision for Space Exploration. Under the agreement, the State of Hawai‘i and NASA’s Ames Research Center will explore future collaborations in commercial space initiatives and innovative programs supporting research, education and workforce development in aerospace fields.
  • Started the Music Enterprise Learning Experience (MELE) program at Honolulu Community College to help students learn the various elements of the music industry and develop Hawai‘i’s creative industries sector.
  • Provided a professional development program for public school teachers to increase their knowledge of recent developments in science, technology, engineering and math. In addition, provided stipends to STEM degree holders to obtain teacher certification in secondary education through the University of Hawai‘i.

2008 Initiatives

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