Neil Abercrombie in 2011 Governor's State of the State speeches


On Environment: New Day Work Projects: transit-oriented development

I will convene a group of experts and University officials to consider the future of sports & the future of development on Oahu to make a definitive decision on Aloha Stadium and any future stadium we might build. Other than maintenance related to health and safety, I will divert all other capital improvement dollars for Aloha Stadium to other projects. Right now, multimillion dollar plans to extend the life of Aloha Stadium by 20 years could take 40 years to implement. It is time to reprioritize. The Ne Day Work Projects will look to the future and what our community and economy will look like decades from now. For example, as Honolulu moves on its transit plans, the state will actively support attractive, sustainable transit-oriented redevelopment. The legislature has proposals on these concepts, including looking at density rights and other zoning initiatives. I look forward to participating in the discussion and moving quickly. The people of Hawaii are going to get to work and build our future.
Source: 2011 Hawaii State of the State Address Jan 24, 2011

On Local Issues: Allow & encourage education in Hawaiian language

I want to take a moment to note a unique element in our education system that is often overlooked but is vitally important to the future of our Hawaii. In 1896, it was made illegal to teach in the Hawaiian language. In 1986, a group of legislators and community leaders removed that ban. I was part of that group.

Today, we have an opportunity to organize a Hawaiian language university-within-a-university as a next step. Language is a key element in ensuring that the Hawaiian culture remains strong and perseveres into the future for the benefit of all. When our young children master language, they master themselves. When they master themselves, they can achieve anything. For our youngest children, my office has been working with private and public agencies to develop a leadership position in the Governor's office for early education; to coordinate efforts across departments and in the private sector as we lay the groundwork for the future establishment of a Department of Early Childhood.

Source: 2011 Hawaii State of the State Address Jan 24, 2011

On Local Issues: Allow & encourage education in Hawaiian language

I want to take a moment to note a unique element in our education system that is often overlooked but is vitally important to the future of our Hawaii. In 1896, it was made illegal to teach in the Hawaiian language. In 1986, a group of legislators and community leaders removed that ban. I was part of that group.

Today, we have an opportunity to organize a Hawaiian language university-within-a-university as a next step. Language is a key element in ensuring that the Hawaiian culture remains strong and perseveres into the future for the benefit of all. When our young children master language, they master themselves. When they master themselves, they can achieve anything. For our youngest children, my office has been working with private and public agencies to develop a leadership position in the Governor's office for early education; to coordinate efforts across departments and in the private sector as we lay the groundwork for the future establishment of a Department of Early Childhood.

Source: 2011 Hawaii State of the State Address Jan 24, 2011

On Tax Reform: Add alcohol & soft drink tax; repeal state tax deduction

I am proposing 2 fixes to the tax code that will increase revenues to the state. One is a repeal of the state tax deduction for state taxes--an absurdity in the tax code, the elimination of which is long overdue. This change will affect all taxpayers who itemize, so we will phase in implementation for middle-income earners to lessen the immediate effect.

The other fix is to implement the recommendation of the Tax Review Commission to treat pension income like all other income for tax purposes, as is done when preparing federal taxes. My proposal includes a provision so those who are most dependent on their pensions will not be taxed.

I am proposing what is an overdue increase in the alcohol tax and will also propose a fee on soda & similar drinks. We can no longer ignore the fact that consumption of these & other such products contribute to rising public health costs. Revenues from these fees will be used to repair the public health infrastructure and also to fund prevention and education programs

Source: 2011 Hawaii State of the State Address Jan 24, 2011

The above quotations are from 2011 Governor's State of the State speeches.
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Page last updated: Dec 04, 2018