Neil Abercrombie in 2014 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Local Issues:
Preserve open spaces at Turtle Bay
There are times for planning, and there are times for acting. Now is the time to preserve open spaces at Turtle Bay. The dispute over the expansion of the resort into adjacent coastal and open lands has been going on for decades. Whether in the courts,
in permitting proceedings, within the North Shore community, or the community at large--this issue has been divisive and disruptive.I am requesting general obligation bonds to obtain a conservation easement of more than 600 acres at the site.
This guarantees these lands will remain open and free of development, and open to Public Access in perpetuity.
Similarly, I am requesting general obligation funds to enable the state to work with a renewable energy company to purchase agricultural and
conservation lands currently owned by the Dole Company--nearly 20,000 acres of open space on the North Shore of Oahu. We need to make this investment to secure these lands so that they do not become a temptation for development and urbanization.
Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Hawaii legislature
Jan 21, 2014
On Technology:
TMT: build $1.3B Thirty-Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is Hawaii's gift to the world--the best place on the planet to observe the universe. It is without peer. It provides an unparalleled opportunity to advance our knowledge of our universe. Today, we celebrate 50 years of astronomy in Hawaii with
13 observatories from 11 countries and over a billion dollars in infrastructure atop Mauna Kea. One project will solidify Hawaii's position as the world's premier astronomy center--the $1.3 billion Thirty-Meter Telescope (TMT).
The TMT will be the catalyst for the development of high tech and high paying jobs. TMT is partnering with the Institute for Astronomy's Akamai Workforce Initiative to train local college students for technical fields. The initiative promotes
STEM initiatives relating to local robotics and science programs. TMT is also investing $1 million every year in education so our keiki can reach for the stars. Our state must support and ensure that this tremendous opportunity comes to fruition.
Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Hawaii legislature
Jan 21, 2014
Page last updated: Dec 07, 2018