Entries for 'Lt Gov Duke Aiona'

HONOLULU - Lt. Governor Duke Aiona today issued the following statement regarding a personal letter that was sent by Hawai‘i Republican Party Chairman Jonah Ka‘auwai to his supporters....

“We outlined an ambitious vision and long-overdue public education reform goals for our state, which included assisting struggling schools, improving school performance from kindergarten to college, and ensuring that all of our students are equipped and prepared to enter both college and the working environment.

“This is an historic opportunity, and we must continue to work together to implement the reforms necessary to cultivate a brighter future for our young people.”

"Now, Ed has written a thoughtful and courageous letter to his supporters about why he is endorsing Neil Abercrombie over Mufi Hannemann in the Democratic primary. Ed is candid in describing Mufi as "the product and clear choice of a political machine that must end" and "the most dangerous politician in a generation."

"I would like to personally extend my thanks and appreciation to Ed for his remarks about my candidacy. Ed Case and I differ on a variety of issues, but we want to serve the people of Hawai`i with honesty and integrity to the best of our experience and abilities."

“Judge Leonard was more than qualified, as evidenced by her unanimous approval as appellate judge and the outpouring of testimony from the legal community in support of her appointment to Chief Justice.

“I call on my potential opponents and Hawai‘i’s other candidates to join me in strongly objecting to this misguided decision.

“The people of Hawai‘i deserve principled decision-makers, not political partisans.”

As Governor, I will:

• Cut red tape and unnecessary regulatory burdens
• Keep taxes low to promote a business-friendly environment
• Invest in human capital to compete in the global economy
• Develop new economic sectors in naturally competitive areas
• Transform Hawai`i into a world model for clean energy
• Accelerate infrastructure modernization projects: airports, harbors, highways, and broadband

"I am committed to seeing this process through as Governor."

"As I have always said, this issue will persist as long as lawmakers continue to keep the public from deciding whether marriage should be between a man and a woman.  

"If elected Governor, I will propose a constitutional amendment on this issue so the people can define marriage once and for all."

The people of Hawai`i want our state to be more self-sufficient; they want to be more independent.

I believe that to be a true leader, innovation, entrepreneurship and stewardship need to be fostered, nurtured and rewarded.

It is not enough to encourage today’s citizens and businesses to innovate and think big. Public officials have to do the same.

The American Dream is based upon our liberty and opportunity to flourish. It is the hope of all to build a prosperous future, and we can achieve it right here in these islands.

I believe that Hawai`i is on the path to a clean energy future, and I am committed to a long-term vision of making Hawai`i the greenest place on Earth - the greenest environment, the greenest energy, and the greenest economy - in a way that keeps down our cost of living, increases our quality of life and, of course, includes all of our citizens.

It is in our hands to make certain their sacrifice was not in vain, and to honor their service by ensuring their memory lives on.

Today, we thank all of our service members and their families, and for the many families and friends whose loved ones did not return, it is with a heavy heart that we pay tribute to them now.

May we be so fortunate that the next generation lives with the purpose and conviction of our fallen heroes.

“With the funding appropriated by the State Legislature, and the HSTA’s willingness to allow children to return to class on six non-instructional days, we have the resources to achieve a comprehensive solution to end teacher furloughs.

“Any comprehensive solution will require the involvement of the Governor, BOE, DOE and HSTA to come together and work out their differences. None of them can solve this issue alone, and all must come together in agreement. We are within reach of ending teacher furlough days, and there’s room for compromise."

I share valid concerns with the 2010 Akaka Bill, including its limited definition of whom qualifies to be recognized as a member of the Native Hawaiian community; its ill-defined relationship between the Native Hawaiian governing entity and local, state and federal government; and its immediate establishment of sovereignty prior to further negotiations that could address outstanding issues like public safety, healthcare and property rights.

To achieve the type of broad-based support that this landmark legislation deserves, the amendments contained within the 2010 Akaka Bill should be fully vetted and resolved in the community through open and inclusive public hearings.

As an attorney and former state judge, I recognize that opponents of the 2010 Akaka Bill have rightly pointed out that failure to properly address these issues beforehand will likely result in difficult negotiations and protracted litigation following passage.

While my preference is for Congressional leaders to work out these issues before passing the 2010 Akaka Bill, I will continue to support the bill with reservations and work immediately to address any outstanding issues if elected Governor.

“On Tuesday, I met with leaders of the parent group Hawai`i Education Matters, and they presented a tentative plan to me as well as the HSTA that I carefully reviewed and endorsed.... 

"Instead of pursuing the plan we discussed, the group chose instead to announce a different plan on Friday that I cannot support because it would leave the furlough situation unresolved and incomplete."

This unique 18-unit subdivision is an affordable-housing project by the State Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. The homes will consume little electricity and have a low environmental impact, and were designed with a blend of the newest energy technology and traditional Hawaiian practices to support a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle.

“While I share valid objections regarding the sovereign immunity bestowed upon a Native Hawaiian governing entity and the amended definition of a qualified Native Hawaiian constituent, as provided in the 2010 Akaka Bill, I believe the proper balance of state and federal laws can be fully vetted and resolved in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of all of Hawai‘i’s citizens.

“I am hopeful that our Congressional leaders will address these issues in the community before passing the 2010 Akaka Bill, rather than facing anticipated litigation following passage."

With more than half of the 2010 legislative session gone and fewer than 30 business days to go, the Legislature should focus on enacting bills that will improve government operations and strengthen our economy — not increasing taxes.

Many key proposals that could save the state precious general funds have either stalled or not been heard in House and Senate committees. Instead of increasing the general excise tax, the Legislature should cut inefficiencies and spend within our means to ensure economic recovery for Hawaii.

During these challenging economic times, it is critical for our state to encourage reinvestment into our local economy and provide a fair tax system that does not burden our citizens, families and small businesses with tax increases.

Economic hardship has led many families and businesses to tighten their belts to save money. Our Administration has also had to find new ways to cut spending while providing essential services for Hawai‘i residents. Right now, the worst thing the State could do is take more of your money by raising taxes.

Dr. Frank Sayre and Laura Mallery-Sayre experienced first-hand the heroism of the Hawai‘i Fire Department when they lost their son in a hiking accident in Polulu Valley.  The Hawai‘i Fire Department did not have rappelling ropes long enough to reach the bottom of the valley, so firefighters flew a helicopter into the narrow terrain at great personal risk.

Since then, Frank and Laura, motivated by the bravery and heroism of the firefighters, began the Daniel Sayre Foundation to raise money to buy equipment for the Hawai‘i Fire Department. Their efforts have been met with resounding success in the community, as they have raised more than $400,000 to provide essential life-saving equipment and training for our firefighters.

In the coming weeks and months, I will be leading our state’s efforts to formulate solutions to grow our high-tech industry and put us back on track. Your input and involvement in this new endeavor will be critical to our success.

If you share the vision of a thriving high tech industry in Hawai‘i, I ask you now for your help.  Please contact my office at ltgov@hawaii.gov and let me know if you want to be part of the solution.

The legislature voted to impose almost $521 million in new taxes on residents and visitors. It was just one in a flurry of moves that will slow economic recovery and lead to greater job losses.

Most troubling was that legislators did not have to raise taxes on our businesses and hard-working families. Our Administration provided them with a credible alternative to closing the state’s budget gap without raising taxes, cutting essential services or laying off government workers.

I would like to invite you to join me at a rally to oppose a number of legislative bills that will raise taxes on the people of Hawai`i, hurt our economy and stall job creation.

Governor Lingle will veto the measures at the rally. 

Please join us at the State Capitol on Thursday, May 7, at 3:30 p.m. to express your opposition to this legislation and send legislators a strong message that their responsibility is to the public, not special interests.

The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding ceded lands should not be looked at in terms of “winners” or “losers.”  Rather, it should serve as a clear reminder that we, as a community, must commit to reaching a fair and lasting resolution on ceded lands.  Despite the disappointment being felt by some, the U.S. Supreme Court decision does not in any way affect our Administration’s ongoing commitment to the Native Hawaiian community.

More than 1,000 high school students from Mexico, Philippines and four states, including Hawai‘i, will compete in the tournament that challenges teams of young people to solve a common engineering problem, using a standard kit of parts that includes motors, batteries and a control system – but no instructions.

Of the 34 teams in the tournament, 24 represent the state. The winning teams will advance to the FIRST Championships – called the “Super Bowl of Smarts” in Atlanta, Georgia, April 15-18. Honoka‘a High School was one of six teams to represent Hawai‘i last year in Atlanta.

But now, when collaboration and continued support is most needed to get us over the hump, some politicians have taken it upon themselves to propagate misinformation and distort a very clear record of accomplishment.

For those politicians and cynics, I have a message: Hawai‘i will be a world leader in clean energy, with or without you....

I am glad to see that the HTA board will reconsider the NFL’s proposal so we can begin working on making the Pro Bowl even better.

We are looking to draw on the popularity of our recreational areas to help reverse years of decline and rehabilitate these cultural attractions for outdoor enthusiasts, who enjoy everything from fishing and hunting, to boating and camping, to hiking and swimming.

On Jan. 14, the state Department of Public Safety opened the Hale Nani facility in Hilo, where a new re-entry program called “START” will provide education, job training and counseling for inmates a few months before their release.

As more Big Island families and businesses are tightening their budgets, your state government is developing innovative ways to maintain public service at the highest level with fewer resources, and without increasing taxes or fees.

In August, I helped launch a new after-school program at Hilo Intermediate School for students who are left alone and unsupervised once the school bell rings.

Since 80% of smokers start by the time they are age 18, prevention is the key.

Tougher laws against people who use the Internet to commit sexual acts against minors.