HONOLULU --  “Governor Lingle has decided the best way to deal with Hawaii’s declining economy and growing budget deficit is to reject an invitation from President-elect Obama to discuss four areas in which the federal government can help states meet increasing financial pressures.  Forty other governors have found time to meet with the incoming president.  And, while Governor Lingle was travelling around Asia looking for tourists, Hawaii’s mayors were busy pulling together lists of critical infrastructure needs to provide to the President-elect.  Hawaii's leaders should make the most of every opportunity, and you can count on the Congressional Delegation to do just that.”

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