Department in Action

Relief for Homeowners

State ID Changes

DLNR Begins Hapuna 
Beach Improvements

As part of a multi-year initiative to repair, replace and improve facilities at state parks, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will begin construction of improvements to the Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area in West Hawai`i – a kama‘aina and visitor favorite – on Monday, January 5.

Hawai`i Homeowners
Offered Special Assistance

The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) has reached an agreement with Countrywide Financial Corp. and Bank of America that could help approximately 2,400 Hawai`i homeowners holding subprime or adjustable rate mortgages avoid foreclosure.

New ID Card Design
and Format Unveiled

Starting January 5, the Department of the Attorney General's Hawai`i Criminal Justice Data Center will be issuing state ID cards with a new and updated design, as well as a new vertical format for cardholders under the age of 21. Cards issued before January 5, will continue to be valid until their printed expiration date.

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"As we commemorate Hawai`i's 50th anniversary of statehood in 2009, I have confidence that Hawai`i's people will come together in the spirit of unity to employ the same hard work, determination, creativity, humility and aloha spirit that have enabled our islands to flourish and have made Hawai`i so special."

- Governor Linda Lingle, in her New Year's message to the people of Hawai`i.

Read more quotes and thoughts

"This year, difficult but necessary decisions have to be made to reduce overall spending. We cannot operate in a business-as-usual fashion. Through shared sacrifices, we can ensure we continue to live within our means and remain focused on areas of long-term importance to our state."

Read the Governor's Weekly Radio Address: Budget and Financial Plan

January 5, Governor Lingle will deliver remarks at the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Shinnen Enkai Banquet to welcome in the New Year.

January 6, Governor Lingle will join Maui County Mayor Charmaine Tavares, David Murdock, chairman and owner of Castle & Cooke Hawai`i, and officials from Maui Electric Co. in dedicating a new solar farm on the island of Lana`i.

View the Governor's public schedule: January 3 - 9, 2009

email: governor.lingle@hawaii.gov