Few economic initiatives in speech
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| • | Schools set for repairs but not spared the ax |
| • | Here's how governor's agenda for 2001 fared |
| • | Peers praise governor's speech |
By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Capitol Bureau
Gov. Ben Cayetano offered no new significant economic initiatives yesterday, despite the state's economic tailspin following the Sept. 11 attacks.
In a speech that was largely retrospective, Cayetano reiterated the need to ramp up state construction activity by $900 million, diversify Hawai'i's economy and support the University of Hawai'i, which he called "an important driver of our economy." He acknowledged Hawai'i's economic crisis following Sept. 11, but emphasized the resiliency and strength of the state economy.
"There are signs that not only are we weathering the storm, but our chances for a quick recovery are better than we expected," he said.
Some Republican lawmakers expressed strong doubts about Cayetano's optimism.
"The sense of urgency we felt last fall is diminished, and that's unfortunate," said House Minority Leader Galen Fox, R-21st (Waikiki, Ala Wai). "Our difficulties are much more severe in Hawai'i than the national economy. We're doing easily worse. Somehow, you don't come away with that sense after listening to the speech."
Senate Minority Leader Sam Slom, R-8th (Wai'alae Iki, Hawai'i Kai), agreed.
"It was a trip down memory lane and all that, and that was fine," he said, "But we have some very real problems and if we don't take decisive actions, we're still in danger of losing hundreds more businesses and thousands more employees, and that's a fact."
Others in the business community were more supportive.
"The things that I liked about the position the governor is taking is his support of the university, his support of medical technology to this state and although he did not say it, he has been supportive of tourism," said David Carey, president and CEO of Outrigger Enterprises Inc.
Tony Vericella, chief executive of the Hawai'i Visitors & Convention Bureau, said he was satisfied with Cayetano's remarks despite its lack of specific directives.
"I think that by keeping it simple in some ways that maybe he's also sending messages to not just the Legislature but to everyone else that we just have to focus on fewer things, do them well, invest in them properly and be willing to stay the course," he said. "And that we're only going to get it done if we do it together."
You can reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.
