In order to address the unprecedented budget shortfall the State is facing, Governor Lingle this week announced that the State began delivering written layoff notices to the approximately 1,100 State employees who were previously notified their positions could be eliminated. "It is unfortunate we must take these difficult steps," said Governor Lingle. "Furloughs have always been my first choice to achieve significant labor cost reductions needed to address the unprecedented budget shortfall the State is facing."