David Ige in 2021 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Education:
Maximize school land by building compatible structures
Last year, the Legislature established a School Facilities Agency to bring our aging school buildings into the 21st century. Even before the pandemic, the new agency was viewed as an exciting new initiative which will also provide jobs and economic
opportunities for Hawai?i. The School Facilities Agency is a first step in maximizing school lands by building teacher housing, childcare facilities, after-school centers and other uses that are compatible with school facilities.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Hawaii legislature
Jan 25, 2021
On Technology:
Hawai'i 2.0: we must pivot to a digital economy
The pandemic has accelerated economic trends that were already underway. They include the rise in remote work and the demand for digital skills. The pivot to a digital economy will serve as a foundation for our economic resilience. In a digital
economy, it doesn't matter where your workstation is located, Hawai?i's workforce can compete globally. I am calling for the creation of a program of action to not just reboot but to upgrade our economy. To create a Hawai?i 2.0, if you will.
I can assure you that broadband will be a priority for the state in the coming years. Part of our task is to make sure that a student in Nanakuli can access an online lesson plan as easily as a student in Kahala--and that, in a digital Hawai?i,
everyone's connected. Likewise, with an FCC grant, we will support a telehealth initiative to connect low-income patients with high medical risks to healthcare providers. DHHL will receive at least $30 million in federal funds to benefit Native Hawaiians
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Hawaii legislature
Jan 25, 2021
On Welfare & Poverty:
Affordable housing: 10,000 homes built, 3000 more by 2022
We spent more than $71 million in housing assistance to about 13,700 households who would have faced eviction. This program was cited by Forbes Magazine as a model for the nation in getting rent checks to landlords faster than any other state.
The pandemic underscored why having a steady supply of affordable housing is so important for our families' well-being. We achieved our initial goal of building 10,000 new homes by 2020. I am setting a new goal of 3,000 more units by the end of 2022.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Hawaii legislature
Jan 25, 2021
Page last updated: Feb 24, 2022