GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES INNOVATION GRANT, PROGRAM TO HELP MEDICAID CLIENTS

July 2 - "Our economic future depends on improving the education of our youth and expanding the skills of working adults to meet the needs of changing technology and Hawai`i's emerging industries," Governor Lingle said during a news conference to announce Hawai`i's selection as one of six grant recipients from the National Governors Association to advance science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. 

The two-year $500,000 grant will support the Lingle-Aiona Administration's Hawai`i Innovation Initiative to transform the state's economy from one based on land development to one based on innovation and technology.  Read more about this innovation grant. 

Ted Liu, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) discussed a partnership with the Department of Human Services (DHS) that will allow for the creation of up to eight STEM academies as part of the Governor's Innovation Initiative.  These academies would be in addition to two already funded through the Legislature.  The partnership will specifically create STEM academies at high schools in economically disadvantaged areas across the state.

Governor Lingle and Human Services Director Lillian Koller also announced the creation of "Going Home Plus," an expanded innovative program to help Medicaid clients with disabilities and chronic illnesses transition from nursing homes and hospitals to home- and community-based long-term care settings. Going Home Plus will be funded during the next five years by a $10.3 million grant from the federal government. The program has freed up much needed space in hospitals and nursing homes and saves the state $70,000 per patient, each year.

• Watch this news conference.