State of the State
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During Governor Lingle's sixth State of the State Address at the State Capitol on Tuesday morning, she focused on the potential of Hawai`i's unique people and the protection of Hawai`i's special places. The Governor also declared that she is grateful for the trust of residents and remains committed to making progress for the state during the next three years.
Governor Lingle's remarks on personal responsibility, fiscal discipline, developing innovation and energy independence drew applause from the joint session of the State Legislature and members of the public in the House Chambers. Also well-received was her proposal that the Turtle Bay Resort on O`ahu's North Shore be purchased and kept as public land in order to preserve an important part of Hawai`i's lifestyle.
As part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's continuing effort to increase public access to state information to all the people of Hawai`i, Governor Linda Lingle’s State of the State Address was translated into six languages.
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Read more about the Governor's State of the State Address.
Watch the Governor's |
Read the Governor's |
Read more about the Lingle-Aiona |
GOVTUBE PREMIERES
Also Tuesday was the debut of GovTube, the new broadcast channel for Governor Lingle. Airing first was the State of the State Preview, which featured seven members of the Governor's Cabinet discussing their departments, accomplishments during the past year and goals for 2008. Then GovTube presented a State of the State In Review with Senior Policy Advisor Linda Smith recapping the highlights of the Governor's address.
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View the State of the State Preview.
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View the State of the State Review.
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View a Wrap-Up News Conference with Governor Lingle.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
"Big plans start with big dreams. And although the state remains a long way from charting a realistic course toward the goal of preserving the Turtle Bay properties for public use, Gov. Linda Lingle has taken that important first step simply by envisioning it."
An excerpt from the Honolulu Advertiser editorial, "Lingle Turtle Bay idea deserves serious look."
"Lingle has made a policy statement by declaring growth limits on the North Shore as being part of creating a sustainable future. Pushing rural O`ahu beyond its capacity makes no sense. The beauty of the state's natural environment is one of its central assets."
An excerpt from the Honolulu Advertiser editorial, "Lingle Turtle Bay idea deserves serious look."
"Gov. Linda Lingle's proposal for the state to purchase Turtle Bay Resort and prevent further development on surrounding property owned by the same company is welcome news for people who want to preserve Oahu's "country." The effort is noble and worthwhile."
An excerpt from the Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial, "Lingle’s strategy to protect Turtle Bay is noble but difficult."
"Purchasing oceanfront land to protect it from development and preserve it from public use is a great idea."
An excerpt from the Maui News editorial, "Public needs open shorelines."
"There is no argument with the sentiment and acquiring land-by the government..."
An excerpt from the Maui News editorial, "Public needs open shorelines."
"I think this is something the whole island will get behind."
Senator Clayton Hee told the Honolulu Advertiser.
"It's important to preserve open space for future generations. So we would be honored to work with the governor to help try and facilitate a solution."
Gil Riviere, head of Keep The North Shore Country and Let's Surf coalitions, told the Honolulu Advertiser.
"This is all pretty exciting. It's hard not to be stoked. We're heading in the right direction. I would expect that the governor will have a tremendous amount of support in this effort."
Blake McElheney, member of the North Shore Neighborhood Board and life-long area preservationist, told the Honolulu Advertiser.
"There is absolutely no split in the community on this issue, now, and I've been fighting this for 25 years."
Bob Nakata, co-chair of the Defend O`ahu Coalition, told the Honolulu Advertiser.
"We're absolutely delighted. It's a huge relief to everyone in the community. To have that kind of support is just phenomenal."
Carol Phillips, North Shore Neighborhood Board member, told the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
"It's a great opportunity to preserve this area for future generations of Hawai`i, for residents and visitors."
Laura Couch, an attorney for Keep the North Shore Country, told the Associated press.
"We think the governor's effort to look for areas to preserve Hawai'i's open space makes sense."
Keith Vieira, senior vice president and director of operations, Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Hawai'i and French Polynesia told the Honolulu Advertiser.
"As someone who was raised in Laie and has a special connection to the Koolauloa Community I was pleasantly surprised to see state officials thinking of productive ways to support local residents and create a balance between development and preservation... Thank you for this innovative, courageous, and completely wonderful proposal."
An excerpt from an email written by Christian Palmer to Governor Lingle.
"I commend you for proposing that the state purchase the Turtle Bay Resort and surrounding properties of Kawela Bay. We cannot continue to destroy the natural beauty of this island with development."
An excerpt from an email written by Shay Bintliff, MD, to Governor Lingle.
"I am a student at BYU Hawai`i and I want you to know that I fully support the decision to purchase turtle bay. I know that I'm not a native to Hawai`i, but I have come to love this place so much."
An excerpt from an email written by Robert Tree to Governor Lingle.
"You just spoke about your plan to preserve the Turtle Bay resort and the North Shore, keeping it in public hands. I have to say that it brought tears to my eyes. As a resident of the North Shore, I am overwhelmed and overjoyed by your effort and decision to preserve and maintain our country way of life."
An excerpt from an email written by Kylie Matsuda to Governor Lingle.
"We share your desire to keep the special feeling of the North Shore for long-term visitor sustainability and its beauty."
An excerpt from an email written by Matthew Cabamongan to Governor Lingle.
"I've lived on Oahu for over 26 years and watched this island become overdeveloped and crowded. Saving pieces of land like the Kawela Point/Turtle Bay area is the correct action. You are to be commended for your leadership."
An excerpt from an email written by Tania Jo Ingrahm to Governor Lingle.