Lingle and Hawai'i begin transition
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Highlights of yesterday's Linda Lingle inauguration address (RealPlayer required): High bandwidth, low bandwidth |
| • | Full text of Lingle's inauguration speech |
By Lynda Arakawa and Gordon Y.K. Pang
Advertiser Capitol Bureau
Linda Lingle launched her term as governor yesterday much like she ran her campaign, making promises of "a new beginning" that will stand in contrast to the four previous Democratic administrations she is succeeding.
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser
In a historic transition that changes the state's political landscape, Lingle was sworn in as Hawai'i's sixth governor since statehood and the first Republican governor in 40 years in ceremonies in the State Capitol atrium shortly before noon.
After being sworn in as Hawai'i's first Republican governor in 40 years by Chief Justice Ronald Moon, Linda Lingle yesterday greeted those who witnessed her historic inauguration ceremony with a time-honored Hawai'i gesture.
Wearing a beige business suit and a feather lei, Lingle placed her right hand on the family Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible, as the oath was administered by state Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald Moon.
Lingle took a quick glance at the audience and grinned before loudly repeating Moon in saying, "as governor of the state of Hawai'i," evoking a standing ovation and cheers from the audience that drowned out the rest of her oath.
James "Duke" Aiona was sworn in as lieutenant governor.
Lingle's 26-minute inauguration speech stressed three priorities repeated throughout her campaign: restoring trust in government, expanding the economy and improving public education. In emphasizing those themes, she at times painted an unflattering picture of how things have been done, making clear that would change.
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser
She also worked to create an inclusive tone for her administration, mentioning specifically parents, teachers, state workers, and even Hawai'i expatriates, whom she promised to help bring home.
James "Duke" Aiona exchanged a few words with the state's new governor after he was sworn in as lieutenant governor.
"In the past, after the election, too often the activity became about rewarding friends and punishing enemies," she said. "And this has damaged our state's reputation. This must stop and this will stop.
"As of this moment, anyone who cares about the state of Hawai'i and who wants to contribute is a friend of this administration."
The morning started with a parade of bands that went past Lingle at 'Iolani Palace. Lingle, Aiona and other dignitaries later made their way to the Capitol atrium, stopping briefly to place a purple crown floral bouquet at the Queen Lili'uokalani Statue. It was the first time a governor was inaugurated on the grounds of the Capitol, rather than the palace.
Between 3,700 and 4,000 people witnessed the event, according to Lenny Klompus, Lingle's director of communications. On the chairs of each audience member was an inauguration brochure titled "He Ho'omaka Hou," Hawaiian for "a new beginning." Each person also was given a bag of sea salt. "Salt blesses, purifies and heals — it is a primary element of our daily life," said a tag attached to each bag.
Lingle, a former Maui mayor, is the first Republican governor since William Quinn, who was elected the first governor after statehood in 1959. Quinn was followed by Democrats John A. Burns, George Ariyoshi, John Waihee and Ben Cayetano, who left office yesterday.
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser
Lingle said government contracts should be awarded fairly and based on merit, and that the business community should be given more respect.
Linda Lingle's father, Richard Cutter, wiped a tear as his daughter became Hawai'i's sixth governor.
"Government for too long has been very heavy-handed in trying to control our economy," she said. "It has given us an anti-business reputation that scares away investors and entrepreneurs. And I am determined to change that image."
Lingle also touched on the challenge her administration faces in balancing the state budget, noting that Hawai'i and most states face tough fiscal situations.
"It won't be easy to balance the budget at the same time bringing about programs in our new beginning," she said. "But that's exactly what we're going to do. The greater the challenge we face, the greater our resolve must be."
She pledged to create more openness about the state's fiscal situation, saying: "It's your money and you have a right to know."
Lingle also talked about public school students who said there was a lack of basic supplies and not enough safety on campus, and said "we cannot let this go on in our state even one more day."
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser
Lingle told Democrats the public will not tolerate partisan squabbles, and invited them to work with her and share the rewards.
Linda Lingle placed her hand on her family's Tanakh, the Hebrew scriptures, as she was sworn in as governor. Her father held the book, as Chief Justice Ronald Moon administered the oath of office. The inauguration ceremony took place at the State Capitol atrium, breaking with a tradition of holding the ceremony at 'Iolani Palace.
"To my Democrat friends, I say today to all of you, people expect us to work together in the years ahead," she said. "The people will not and should not accept petty bickering or excessive partisanship. I look forward to working with you and I look forward to sharing credit for the many great things that I know we're going to achieve together in the years ahead."
She promised to work hard to help Hawaiians achieve federal recognition and to resolve the ceded lands issue. She also pledged to help Filipino World War II veterans receive federal benefits.
Those who listened to Lingle's address had their own favorite spots.
Democratic House Speaker Calvin Say said he was pleased that Lingle mentioned the ceded lands issue, noting that it is a difficult and emotional one. He also said: "I hope she can fulfill her promise about trying to restore the trust of public employees."
Senate President Robert Bunda, also a Democrat, said he wonders how the Lingle administration and the Legislature will find a compromise in balancing the budget, but said: "What was notable for me was the fact that I think she wants to move on from partisan politics."
Don Fowler, a 70-year-old architect from Hawai'i Kai, said he liked her emphasis on bringing integrity to the public sector.
"That's a powerful statement," he said, noting that he has had difficulty dealing with a contracting system that has favored those who are politically connected.
Shirley Carlson, a 53-year-old 'Aiea public school teacher, said she likes Lingle's plan for public education.
"We educators in Hawai'i really need moral support," she said.
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser
The day was capped with a $150-a-plate inaugural dinner at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel's Monarch Room. Tables set for 1,600 overflowed onto the lawn, putting some guests under a drizzle. Lingle arrived at 7:15 p.m. and began greeting guests. She was accompanied by Richard and Mary Cutter, her father and stepmother.
Among the 3,700 to 4,000 people who attended the inauguration were former first lady Vicky Cayetano, former Gov. Ben Cayetano, U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, and U.S. Sens. Daniel Akaka and Dan Inouye.
Guests dined on roast beef and lobster and were entertained by Dr. T's Big Band Sounds. Each took home an engraved wooden business card holder, the party favor set on the gold plates.
The inauguration festivities continue with a party at Magic Island tonight. Four thousand tickets have been handed out for the "'ohana party."
Waihee, who attended the inauguration, said Lingle will work hard with the Legislature and every governor will leave behind "some imprint on the government."
"But it all all depends on really on the kind of people she chooses to be part of her administration," Waihee said.
Lingle enters office with only a skeletal portion of her administration appointed and is relying primarily on division heads, who are civil servants with permanent positions, to run state departments until she can fill the positions.
Robert Awana, Lingle's chief of staff, said yesterday that all of Cayetano's appointed directors and their deputies vacated their offices yesterday with the exception of those at the Department of Defense.
Maj. Gen. Edward L. Correa Jr., adjutant general and director of Civil Defense, and Brig. Gen. Clarence Agena, his deputy adjutant general, and Edward Texeira, Correa's vice director of Civil Defense are staying on temporarily.
"We want a seamless transition where defense is concerned," Awana said.
Elsewhere, "the division heads will step up" for up to 60 days, the maximum allowed, depending on when permanent directors are chosen. Awana said he believes the selection of Cabinet positions will be completed by the end of the year.
Reach Lynda Arakawa and Gordon Y.K. Pang at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com and at gpang@honoluluadvertiser.com, or at 525-8070.
