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Aloha,
The 2007 legislative session will be remembered for the launching of the Hawai‘i Innovation Initiative, a comprehensive effort to transform our state’s economy from one over-reliant on land development to one fueled by science, technology, innovation and the limitless potential of residents. This will raise the standard of living for the people of Hawai‘i.
This five-part plan is designed to increase innovation in education, the economy, the workforce and state government, and expand Hawai‘i’s international connections, particularly to the global marketplace. One of the highlights will come this fall when the state launches academies in 10 middle and high schools to develop science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills in students.
Although not all components of the Hawai‘i Innovation Initiative were approved and not to the funding levels I sought, the passed bills are a critical start to changing our state’s economy and future. I will continue to focus strongly on innovation during future legislative sessions.
This year, we also provided help to Hawai‘i’s businesses by lowering the wage base for the unemployment insurance fund. This will save businesses $151 million during the next three years. This adjustment applies to all businesses regardless of type or size.
I am also glad that we brought more attention to the issues of homelessness and affordable housing this past session. About $35 million was allocated to build affordable units and infrastructure, and for support services at homeless shelters and transitional housing projects.
My Administration reviewed 328 passed bills this session, and carefully considered valuable input from the public. I vetoed 27 bills because they are legally or technically flawed, infringe on executive functions and separation of powers, create negative fiscal impacts, or establish questionable public policy. I asked legislators to collaborate with my Administration to make simple fixes to several of these bills that were in the public’s best interest, but was disappointed they chose not take this nonpartisan approach.
Overall, I believe the legislative process in our state can be drastically improved. It seems that each year there are good bills that many people, including myself, testify in favor of during the session. But then at the end, there is a hectic push to pass bills and changes are made that create legislation not in the public’s best interest. This is often done in conference committee, outside of the public’s influence. The Legislature should be held to the same Sunshine Law as other types of government in Hawai‘i.
Hopefully next session can lead to great strides for the State of Hawai‘i. In the meantime, I look forward to working with the public and legislators as we begin formulating our 2008 initiatives.
Mahalo!
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