HOUSE REPUBLICANS RESPOND TO STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

News Release from House Republican Caucus

HONOLULU – On behalf of the House Minority Caucus, Minority Leader Aaron Ling Johanson made the following statement today in response to Governor Neil Abercrombie’s State of the State Address:

“The Minority Caucus agrees with the Governor that at its heart, politics exists to do good for people. We are encouraged by the Governor’s call for a new, cooperative tone in legislative dialogue. This legislative session, unlike any year before, may be Hawaii’s best chance to put politics aside and meaningfully focus on reaching common ground.”

“Conceptually, we find common ground with the Governor’s priorities to increase transparency, focus on education, address unfunded liabilities and support our veterans.

“The Governor’s proposals are part of an ambitious agenda. The question will be how we pay for all of these initiatives. We should proceed with cautious optimism and be careful not to overcommit our state’s financial resources during our fragile economic recovery. It is our responsibility as leaders to ensure that we stay on a path toward long-term financial solvency to best honor our state’s obligation to its people.”

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Hawaii Republican Party Chairman David Chang's Statement Regarding Governor Abercrombie's State of the State Address

News Release from Hawaii Republican Party

HONOLULU - Hawaii Republican Party Chairman David Chang issued the following statement regarding Governor Abercrombie's State of the State Address:

"Today, Governor Abercrombie laid out an ambitious program for his vision of Hawaii's future during his State of the State Address. The Governor's vision includes a number of new programs addressing important and critical issues facing Hawaii. We recognize the importance of addressing the many issues facing Hawaii citizens, but implore Hawaii voters and lawmakers to be prudent. Governor Abercrombie's vision comes with a hefty price tag, one that will inevitably be passed on to the taxpayer."

"While we must make Hawaii a better place, new government-funded programs are not the answer. Not only do Hawaii taxpayers carry one of the largest tax burdens in the U.S., but the Governor himself has also stated that we must pay back the $800 million borrowed to balance the budget, in addition to replenishing the Hurricane Fund and Rainy Day Fund. According to the Governor's own calculations, Hawaii also has a looming cloud of current liability obligations, which will require the state to put up $500 million a year for 30 years. Hawaii cannot afford new and untested government-funded programs that will bankrupt our state. With debt to repay, funds to replenish and an impending liability crisis, the focus should be on relieving the tax burden and making our existing programs more efficient and cost effective."