Benjamin Cayetano in 2001 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
More funding for tourism infrastructure
Tourism had a record year last year, and this year might be even better. One reason is our three-year old, state-of-the-art, $300 million Hawaii Convention Center. Another is the $60 million we give the Hawaii Tourism Authority to market Hawaii each
year. This year, we will focus on expanding our cruise line industry. Cruise lines are a very important part of Hawaii’s tourist industry. Therefore, we will submit a request for funding to improve docking and pier facilities.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to Hawaii Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
On Civil Rights:
Defend native Hawaiian Homelands project
During the past year, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands continued its unprecedented pace of building homesteads and returning Hawaiians to the land. Clouding the good work of the department, however, is the recently filed lawsuit - Barrett vs. State
of Hawaii - challenging the constitutionality of OHA and the Department. It is a broadside attack on Hawaiian programs and on our Constitution. I pledge that I will use my authority to defend and protect the rights of native Hawaiians.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to Hawaii Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
On Drugs:
Philosophy shift to treatment instead of punishment
The federal, state and county governments have waged a “war against drugs,” relying mainly on law enforcement and punishment to deter illegal drug use. [California & Arizona instead] declared drug abuse a health problem. It’s time for a shift in
philosophy here in Hawaii. Therefore, I will submit legislation that will mandate treatment instead of punishment for non-violent, first-time offenders. [Let’s] establish “best practices” regulations to assure high quality, effective treatment programs.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to Hawaii Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
On Education:
$290M for school capital improvements
Over the past six years, we made education our highest priority. We increased teacher salaries, extended the school year by seven days, and built a record number of new schools and classrooms. This year, I ask you to approve my request for $290 million
for school capital improvements -- $90 million for the construction of new schools and classrooms, $100 million for repair and maintenance, and an additional $100 million to renovate our older schools.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to Hawaii Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
On Environment:
Balance growth against environmental protection
Economic growth should never come at the expense of our natural environment. I propose a long-range analysis of our State’s carrying capacity to help evaluate our State’s ability to endure growth. We will look at whether the State’s infrastructure & our
natural resources can survive such growth without being damaged. The results of this analysis will be used to create a strategic plan to make sure we balance our economic interests in maintaining tourism with our duty to protect our natural environment.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to Hawaii Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
On Environment:
$22M to improve state parks
Our parks system needs our attention now. We must repair worn facilities, upgrade older ones, and otherwise beautify these parks. I am proposing spending $22 million in capital improvements to repair and
maintain our State parks. For the long-term care of our parks, I am proposing that half the money from the hotel room tax that does not go for marketing be used to improve and protect the wonders of our State parks system.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to Hawaii Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
On Health Care:
$141M for new medical school at University of Hawaii
The University of Hawaii is not just a place of higher learning; it is also a driving force for the economic development of this State. That is why I am proposing we support a brand new, world-class medical school in Kakaako Makai.
The new medical school will be the foundation of Hawaii’s healthcare and biotechnology industries. At $141 million for the first phase, it will not come cheap. But it will help develop a biotechnology industry.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to Hawaii Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
On Jobs:
Increase the minimum wage
Last year, I asked you to increase the minimum wage. Our bill was bottled up in committee and died. I will again submit a new bill and ask you to support it. An increase will uplift the lives of more than 16,000 of Hawaii’s workers.
If we want more people to get off welfare and back into the workforce let’s make sure they get paid a decent wage, and let’s do it now.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to Hawaii Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
On Technology:
$21M for computers in public schools
In addition, I propose spending $21 million to buy 18,000 new computers for our public schools. This will bring down the ratio of students to computers from 6:1 to 4:1. Hawaii’s children
must learn to use this technology because it will open doors of learning and knowledge ordinarily not available to them. It will help teach them the skills of critical thinking. It will allow them to learn from student counterparts around the world.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to Hawaii Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
Page last updated: Mar 14, 2021