June

Innovation Awards Presented

Governor Lingle recognized recipients of the Governor's Innovation Awards for their ingenuity and commitment to developing creative ways to improve Hawai`i and help the state meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Report Highlights State's Progress

With its focus on science, technology, life sciences and clean energy, Hawai`i continues to make significant progress in creating a more secure economic future, a new report by the Milken Institute shows. The 2008 State Technology and Science Index, one of the most comprehensive examinations of state technology and science assets ever compiled, examines individual state's abilities to leverage resources to achieve economic growth.

Fiscally Responsible Budget Restrictions Outlined

Highlighting the need to rise to the challenge and be resolute in managing public resources while addressing public needs with efficiency and imagination, Governor Lingle presented details of her Administration's budget implementation policies for fiscal year 2009 (FY09), which begins on July 1, 2008.

Legislative Session Update - Governor's Actions

This week, Governor Linda Lingle signed a bill that makes Hawai`i the first state in the nation to require the installation of solar water heating systems on new single-family homes as well as a bill that will allow the state to move forward on critical improvements to the State's harbors as part of the Harbors Modernization Plan. The Governor also submitted to the Legislature a list of bills she is considering vetoing, and continued to encourage the public to provide input on the measures.

Bill Signed to Increase Solar Energy

Governor Lingle signed into law a bill to increase the use of one of Hawai`i's most abundant renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on imported oil.

Governor Submits Potential Veto List

Governor Lingle is encouraging Hawai`i residents, businesses, industry and professional associations, nonprofit groups, and community organizations statewide to submit comments on 52 bills that she is considering for potential vetoes.

DHHL Builds Communities

Governor Lingle, Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, government and community leaders and future homeowners joined the Hawaiian Homes Commission and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) in breaking ground on the Kumuhau Street Subdivision in Waimanalo.

Harbors Modernization Plan Advances

Governor Lingle signed a bill that allows the State to move forward on statewide Harbors Modernization Plan. The upgrade will address long-overdue improvements to accommodate projected increases in the ocean transportation of cargo and passengers in Hawai`i through 2030.

New Laws Protect, Support Hawai`i Foster Children

Continuing the Lingle-Administration's commitment to protect and support foster children, Governor Lingle signed two bills that help foster youth maintain relationships with their relatives and hanai families, as well as assist the youth in meeting their higher education goals.

Robots Set to Rock Capitol

On Wednesday, July 2 from 10:30 a.m. to noon, nearly 30 robotics teams will rock the State Capitol Rotunda. This free public event will showcase Hawai`i students' technical expertise and innovative talents and will give students, parents and educators a chance to learn more about starting or expanding robotics programs in their schools.