Any thoughts that Linda Lingle would go quietly into her final term as governor were quickly dispelled by a bold inaugural address yesterday.

During her speech, the governor outlined lofty goals for what could be the Lingle legacy — one in which the Republican governor pushes Hawai'i ahead, both economically and politically.

Though Lingle has yet to outline the specifics, she delivered enough big-picture ideas that were new, forward-thinking and provocative. Among the overall theme of progress in the speech, two ideas were especially exciting: making Hawai'i a key player in the new Asian-centered global economy; and calling for an expansion of our local economy, focusing less on land development and more on human development.

These ideas merit serious consideration if the state is to have any hope of truly diversifying its economy. And given Hawai'i's unique proximity to Asia and our diverse population, putting the state at the forefront of this changing international economy is not just smart, it's crucial.

By fully taking advantage of our natural resources, Lingle sees the state as becoming "America's vanguard in the Pacific" in a future that she dubs the "Hawai'i Century".

Lingle also argued that though land has been a traditional source of wealth ever since the plantation days, an economy based on land development was "foolhardy" because land was finite.

"We will never catch today's global economic waves by developing land," she said.

"Instead we will begin focusing on human development — the kind of development that recognizes our future economic success depends upon innovation and new ideas, of which there is an unlimited supply."

Indeed, our economic future will depend much on how the details of these ideas pan out. Does this mean spending more on public education? Providing more incentives for high-tech companies? Expanding courses at the colleges and universities?

Lingle does say she plans to work closely with the East-West Center, as well as other Asia-Pacific organizations in the state. That's a good start.

To move the state forward, it will take strong leadership, and bold ideas.

Getting the job done will also take a bipartisan effort. And with the limited time frame the legislative session provides, there's no time for partisan delays.

If Lingle's words hold true, it looks like were headed in the right direction.