Jun 21, 2006 Haleiwa, HI
Governor's Update
By Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle

Aloha,

It was a pleasure speaking at the installation dinner for the North Shore Chamber of Commerce on May 24. As the first sitting Governor to attend the Chamber's meeting, I was honored to update the members on some of my Administration's initiatives to improve the quality of life on the North Shore and statewide.

The last time I visited the North Shore was via helicopter when I inspected the flood damage earlier this year. With the memories of the storms still on people's minds, I informed the Chamber of our efforts to better prepare the state for natural disasters. I recently signed three bills at the National Weather Service that coincided with the start of the 2006 hurricane season, which runs through November.

Act 115 raises the ceiling of the Major Disaster Fund from $1 to $2 million and appropriates $9 million for emergency readiness. These funds will be used to purchase early warning systems including sirens, retrofit homes and buildings against wind damage, update tsunami inundation and evacuation maps, and establish and maintain supplies for emergency shelters. You can find more information at the Hawaii State Civil Defense website at http://www.scd.state.hi.us/ .

Act 116 protects civil defense workers and first responders and deters looting by increasing penalties for crimes committed during state civil defense emergencies.

Act 117 recognizes that many people regard pets as part of their families. Under this law, the state will establish rules to ensure emergency shelters can accommodate pets.

I also discussed the issue of homelessness on the North shore and around the state at the meeting. We worked closely with the Legislature this session to focus on helping those without homes find affordable housing and improve their lives. On May 16, I signed three bills, which will help us to fight homelessness. HB2176 will provide over $50 million for shelter renovations, and will increase services to those who need homes; HB2964 will allow more construction of affordable homes; and HB2991 will allow us to develop low and moderate-income housing.

On May 1, with the help of state employees, private companies and non-profit organizations, we launched the "Next Step" project, a temporary homeless shelter in a Kaka'ako warehouse in Pier 1. Now 300 homeless people, including 90 children, have a place to stay the night.

Another initiative I discussed was the Department of Agriculture's Seals of Quality, which protect the integrity and value of our Hawaii products. Founding members include North Shore farmers Kamiya gold, Inc., Twin Bridge Farms, and the North Shore Cattle Company.

By using the familiar "Hawaii" logo promoted by the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, consumers can know for certain they are purchasing high-quality products that support local farmers and businesses. North Shore companies interested in learning more about this initiative can contact the state's Agricultural Development Division at hdoa.md@hawaii.gov or (808) 973-9595.

Finally, during the meeting I spoke with members about the proposed expansion of the Turtle Bay Resort. It is clear that North Shore residents have many different opinions about the proposed plans. At the Hawaii Republican Convention, I spoke in favor of a resolution encouraging the Honolulu City Council to reexamine the environmental impacts. Convention delegates passed the resolution because the last environmental studies on the Turtle Bay expansion plan were conducted 20 years ago.

I want to thank North Shore News editor Ron Valenciana, who emceed the Chamber meeting, for his hospitality. Mahalo also to the Chamber for a wonderful evening and for sharing their thoughts on how the state can work with the members to help improve the North Shore community and our state.

To Read the latest updates on my Administration's initiatives, I invite you to visit my website at www.hawaii.gov/gov . You can sign up for my weekly electronic newsletter at this site. I also invite you to e-mail your suggestions and concerns at Governor.Lingle@hawaii.gov or call in during my radio show airing at 7:05 a.m. Wednesdays on KHVH 830 AM.

Mahalo for reading my column.

Column Courtesy of North Shore News