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1 CHARTING TOMORROW A PLAN FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE IN HAWAI‘I Paid for by Abercrombie for Governor 1050 Ala Moana Blvd, Suite 2150 Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96814 808.589.2237 • neilabercrombie.com

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Page 1: Neil abercrombie plan_charting_tomorrow

CHARTING TOMORROW 1

CHARTING TOMORROWA PLAN FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE IN HAWAI‘I

Paid for by Abercrombie for Governor 1050 Ala Moana Blvd, Suite 2150

Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96814808.589.2237 • neilabercrombie.com

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CHARTING TOMORROW2

Aloha,Serving as your governor has been a tremendous honor and privilege. During our first term, we’ve had to make tough choices amid challenging circumstances, but through it all, we’ve never lost sight of our goal to restore hope to Hawai‘i.

Over the past four years, we’ve persevered through the most challenging economic period since the Great Depression. We’re better off now, and this turnaround was made possible by the sacrifices and hard work that all of us shared.

Together, we have an opportunity to continue the course that we’ve charted. We can’t go back. Here is our plan to provide a brighter future for generations to come, Charting Tomorrow.

This plan is a result of lessons learned over the course of our first term. It was developed by a team of Hawai‘i’s best and brightest, whom I am proud to have as cabinet members of our Administration. And, it was refined through input provided by the people of our state.

With your support, we can create a Hawai‘i for future generations that will be even better than what we inherited from our kūpuna. We must keep moving Hawai‘i forward. Let’s do this together. I know we can succeed.

Neil AbercrombieGovernor

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CONTENTSINTRODUCTION – THE FIRST FOUR YEARS

ECONOMY & FISCAL MANAGEMENT

Affordable Housing & Smart Growth

Agriculture & Local Food Production

Economic Growth & Development

Fiscal Management

Transportation & Infrastructure Investments

EDUCATION

Early Learning

Education

Higher Education

ENVIRONMENT

Clean Energy Transformation & Greenhouse Gas Reduction

Environment, Climate Change & Natural Resource Management

Integrated Sustainability

Invasive Species Prevention & Control

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Health

Healthcare Transformation

Homelessness

Kūpuna

CONCLUSION – A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR HAWAI‘I

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INTRODUCTIONTHE FIRST FOUR YEARSThe first four years of our Administration were marked

by difficult challenges and progressive achievements.

We have made significant strides, and Hawai‘i is a

better place today. When I first took office, our state

government faced a $220 million budget shortfall,

furloughs, decimated programs cut to the bone, and

low employee morale. We were struggling to pay

our bills. Three years later, our state’s fiscal condition

has improved with a $1 billion turnaround, we have

restored critical programs and we have begun to invest

in key initiatives that will benefit the people of Hawai‘i

for the long term. However, we cannot be complacent

– we must continue to be proactive in maintaining

fiscal sustainability and build on the progress we have

made to further improve the lives of Hawai‘i’s people.

When I embarked on the endeavor to become the

Governor of Hawai‘i in 2010, my team and I put

together an ambitious plan to set forth A New Day In

Hawai‘i. The New Day plan focused on three primary

goals:

» To invest in education and rebuild our economy

» To sustain our Hawai‘i for future generations

» To restore public confidence in government

I am proud to say that we have been able to check off

a number of goals in the New Day plan. Here are just a

few of our significant accomplishments:

» Incorporated the superintendent of schools into the governor’s cabinet

» Instituted cabinet-level leadership and coordination on early childhood initiatives

» Improved the prevention, management, and response system for invasive species

» Prepared for the impacts of climate change

» Preserved and started growing on agricultural lands

» Reinvigorated the Executive Office on Aging

» Led a comprehensive inter-governmental approach to homelessness

» Invested in early childhood

» Appointed a state chief information officer

» Protected the human and civil rights of all, regardless of categories

» Supported Native Hawaiian self-determination and resolved long-standing controversies

» Employed a firm and consistent approach to criminal justice and put an end to shipping prisoners out of state

My Administration, the Legislature, and countless

public and private sector groups and individuals –

particularly public employees – all contributed to

these achievements. However, more needs to be

done to further build upon the foundation we have

established over the last four years. Now that we are

on solid financial ground, we can also set forth new

goals for the near and long-term future to help our

children and our children’s children feel confident

about Hawai‘i’s future.

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CHARTING TOMORROW 5

ECONOMY& FISCAL

MANAGEMENT

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CHARTING TOMORROW6

AFFORDABLE HOUSING& SMART GROWTH

Since 2010, my Administration has made it a priority

to invest in the well-being of Hawai‘i’s people through

helping families stabilize and improve their lives by

building housing that people can afford, providing

housing to Hawai‘i’s low-income individuals and

families, and working to address the complex issue of

homelessness.

Increasing the housing supply is essential in any plan

to alleviate homelessness in Hawai‘i. The demand

for housing exceeds supply. In particular, the need

for low-income public housing is almost twice the

current available supply. The statewide projected

rental housing need between 2012 and 2016 for lower

income families is approximately 19,000 units. For the

same period, the anticipated first-time homebuyer

need is approximately 24,000 units for moderate-

income families. Increasing the housing supply is

essential if we want to enable the working class

and our next generation here in Hawai‘i to achieve

the dream of owning a home.

There are no easy solutions, but my Administration

is committed to working collaboratively with the

counties and building public-private partnerships to

leverage resources for the benefit of those in need

of housing.

ECONOMY & FISCAL MANAGEMENT

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CHARTING TOMORROW 7

Production of Affordable Housing Units

The Hawai‘i Housing Finance & Development

Corporation (HHFDC) has delivered 4,032 affordable

units from 2010 to 2013.

Smart Growth

We have been working with counties and private

sector partners to support compact, mixed-use

developments in the primary urban core of Honolulu

and transit-oriented development, including a bike-

share program.

Section 8 Housing Assistance

Over the past 3 ½ years, the Hawai‘i Public Housing

Authority (HPHA) has provided low-income public

housing and Section 8 voucher assistance to more

than 7,400 families (approximately 17,000 people),

including the homeless, involuntarily displaced, and

victims of domestic abuse.

Housing the Homeless and Very Low Income Families

The state has provided housing and assistance to

more than 2,000 adults and 830 children who were

facing homelessness, are involuntarily displaced, or

are victims of domestic abuse. Of these new families,

93.7 percent are now paying rent.

Towers at Kuhio Park Revitalization

The state completed the sale of the Towers at Kuhio

Park, HPHA’s first mixed-finance public-private

partnership. This resulted in a significant infusion

of capital funding into one of the state’s largest low-

income public housing developments and alleviated

the agency’s capital improvement backlog. This

milestone represents the first major step to revitalizing

the Kuhio Park / Kuhio Homes neighborhood in Kalihi.

AC H I E V E M E N T S

ECONOMY & FISCAL MANAGEMENT

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CHARTING TOMORROW8

“I Have A Dream” Hawai‘i Housing Campaign

The state has leveraged volunteer efforts in the

community to assist HPHA staff in making necessary

improvements to vacant units statewide.

Continued Commitment to Improving Security

The state has demonstrated a continued commitment

to improving security for public housing properties

and has reduced crime through: environmental design

features, the installation of security fences, increased

lighting, resident ID cards, security guard services at

targeted properties, and community participation.

These improvements led to a 50 percent reduction in

crime from 2012 to 2013.

Improved Public Housing Occupancy to 97 Percent

In 2012, Governor Abercrombie enacted Act 159,

which allowed HPHA to hire licensed trade workers to

repair the most damaged and deteriorated units. This

resulted in reduced unit turnaround time from 100 or

more days to just nine days.

AC H I E V E M E N T S

Auto Theft

Robbery Juvenile Nuisance

Graffiti Nuisance Complaint

Suspicious Person

Aggravated Assault

Unauthorized Entry of Motor

Vehicle

Delinquent Juvenile

Drunk Nuisance

Noise Complaint

SuspiciousCircumstance

Weapons Property Damange

Murder

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40

30

20

10

0

Mayor Wright Homes, June 2011 - May 2012

Mayor Wright Homes, June 2012 - May 2013

Crime Reduction at Mayor Wright Homes

ECONOMY & FISCAL MANAGEMENTN

umbe

r of I

ncid

ents

Incident Description

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CHARTING TOMORROW 9

Infusion of Funds for the Rental Housing Trust Fund

Provide an additional $100 million for the Rental

Housing Trust Fund during the next four years. Funds

could be used for workforce housing, homeless

initiatives and micro-units.

More Affordable Housing Units

HHFDC is planning for an additional 5,405 units over

the next five years.

More Multi-Use Projects

Develop multi-use projects that include affordable

housing on land owned by the state as well as by

county agencies and private nonprofits.

Complete Streets

Encourage multi-modal transportation through

complete streets with increased walking, biking and

mass transit options.

Transportation Alternatives for State Employees

Encourage state employees to walk, bike or take mass

transit to work.

Affordable Housing Assistance for the Counties

Assist the counties with the implementation of

affordable housing projects and programs.

Elderly Housing, Mixed-Use, and Mixed-Income Redevelopment

Focus on the redevelopment of HPHA’s School Street

offices, Kuhio Homes, Kuhio Park Terrace Low-Rise,

and Mayor Wright Homes to fit the best use for each

property, while creating low-income elderly and

family public/affordable housing for the state’s most

vulnerable populations.

More Funding to Address Capital Needs Exceeding $500 Million

Concentrate efforts to obtain more funding to renovate

or modernize HPHA’s housing stock.

Promotion of Self-Sufficiency and Asset Development

Increase employment through activities such as job

fairs and job training events. Engage support service

providers to increase independence for the elderly,

disabled, and families to decrease the need for

taxpayer-funded subsidies.

Homebuyers Assistance

Assist up to 500 homebuyers annually with Mortgage

Credit Certificates.

Energy Efficient Appliances

Save taxpayer dollars by replacing appliances on HPHA

properties such as refrigerators and ranges with new

energy efficient models.

F O R A B R I G H T E R F U T U R E

ECONOMY & FISCAL MANAGEMENT

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CHARTING TOMORROW10

AGRICULTURE & LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION

Hawai‘i currently imports the majority of its food,

making the state highly vulnerable, given our

isolation. In addition to boosting Hawai‘i’s self-

sufficiency, the agriculture industry is a tremendous

economic opportunity. According to a recent UHERO

report, diversified agriculture is the fastest growing

agricultural sector in Hawai‘i. However, we have lost

critical industries and much of our capacity to collect

and maintain agricultural statistics. We will continue to

revitalize our state’s agriculture industry by staying on

track to double local food production by 2030, increase

food self-sufficiency and further boost demand for

local products.

ECONOMY & FISCAL MANAGEMENT

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CHARTING TOMORROW 11

Veteran/Homesteader to Farmer Program

Developed the Veteran/Homesteader to Farmer

Program as part of the larger Waimea Nui Community

Development Initiative. The program is aimed at

growing the agricultural workforce by giving veterans

and homesteaders training under the mentorship of a

proven farmer and the resources to begin a successful

career in farming.

Galbraith Estate Land

The Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC),

through collaboration with state, federal, and private

entities, acquired 1,200 acres of good agricultural

land and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs purchased

an additional 500 adjacent acres. ADC is working to

prepare the land for cultivation and identify bona fide

farmers with a proven track record who can bring the

lands into cultivation.

Food Self-Sufficiency

Produced a Food Self-Sufficiency Strategy for Hawai‘i

as a commitment to and road map toward food

security for our islands.

Revitalization of the Dairy Industry

Supported the revitalization of local dairies, which have

been in sharp decline, thereby expanding production

capability to bring fresh, local milk throughout the

state and move toward the goal of greater food self-

sufficiency.

Oceanic Institute Feed Mill

Contracted with Oceanic Institute to build a feed mill

on the Big Island that is slated to break ground in

summer 2014. This will provide a local feed substitute,

greatly reduce the cost of importing feed, and develop

another industry in Hawai‘i.

Food Metrics

Began working together with private organizations

to create the necessary baseline metrics to gauge the

state’s food production and enable the state to set

goals such as doubling local food production by 2030.

Hawai‘i Agricultural Skill Panel

Held statewide conferences for more than 600

stakeholders to identify action steps to increase

Hawai‘i’s agricultural workforce. The aging of farmers

in Hawai‘i needs to be balanced by an increase in

younger farmers to increase the supply of local food.

Agricultural Loans

Since 2010, approved 57 loans totaling $9,267,896,

including 10 new farmer loans and 12 loans to support

smaller farms of 5 acres or less.

Important Agricultural Lands (IAL)

Continued to work with landowners to help designate

lands as IAL to ensure the land remains in agricultural

use for perpetuity. Most recently, 11,206 acres were

designated as IAL on Kaua‘i. Since the start of the

Abercrombie Administration, 70,195 acres have been

designated as IAL.

Irrigation Systems

Improved irrigation systems including Waiāhole Ditch,

Moloka‘i Irrigation System, Waimānalo Irrigation

System, Waimea Irrigation System, Lower Hāmākua

Ditch Watershed Project, Upcountry Maui Watershed

Project, Kekaha Shaft connection pipeline, and Ka‘ū

Irrigation System.

AC H I E V E M E N T S

ECONOMY & FISCAL MANAGEMENT

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Agricultural Infrastructure

Continue to upgrade and restore agricultural

infrastructure, especially in preparation for drought,

through irrigation improvements and pursuit of a

constitutional amendment to allow special revenue

bonds to finance dam restoration.

Active Agricultural Land

Increase the state’s land portfolio and use those

lands for agriculture. This goal is supported by the

acquisition of the Galbraith Estate lands and the

potential acquisition of Dole lands. Increase lands

designated as IAL to ensure agricultural activities will

continue in perpetuity.

Affordable Capital for Farmers

Further bolster the Agricultural Loan Program, which

provides capital to farmers.

Organic Farming and Farm-to-School Programs

Support organic farming and farm-to-school programs

by establishing an organic farming position and a

farm-to-school coordinator position in the Hawai‘i

Department of Agriculture that will work closely with

the Department of Education and the University of

Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human

Resources.

Reinvigoration of Hawai‘i’s Livestock Industry

» Source local livestock feed to move away from the

dependence of imported feed and decrease the

costs associated with importing feed.

» Subsidize agricultural water rates for pastoral use to

test the feasibility of raising consistent, high-quality

grass-fed beef.

» Provide access to capital for infrastructure and energy

efficiency improvements for livestock infrastructure,

particularly to increase the efficiencies of local

slaughterhouses.

» Subsidize mobile slaughterhouses that will be able

to provide rural communities with the necessary

infrastructure to slaughter.

Local Dairy Industry

Support Hawai‘i’s dairy industry with a target of 60

percent locally produced dairy for local consumption.

F O R A B R I G H T E R F U T U R E

ECONOMY & FISCAL MANAGEMENT

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CHARTING TOMORROW 13

Double Local Food Production Through

Aloha+ Challenge

» Establish metrics to better track locally produced

agricultural commodities and measure progress in

gaining greater self-reliance.

» Support innovative agricultural practices like the

commercial application of aquaponics that diversify

agricultural commodities available locally. Identify

and implement Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in

preparation for food safety.

Agriculture and Energy Compatibility

» Continue to increase opportunities for

the integration of new renewable energy

technologies such as solar, wind, geothermal,

biodigesters, and hydroelectricity into agricultural

activities to decrease energy costs for farmers.

» Support continued research and utilization of the

byproducts from energy feedstock as livestock

feed and soil amendments to serve as an additional

income stream for farmers and reduce the reliance

on imports.

Marketing of Locally Grown Commodities

Continue to develop marketing programs that focus

on locally grown commodities, including the Seals

of Quality program, a statewide branding program

that distinguishes Hawai‘i-grown and Hawai‘i-made

products in the marketplace.

Development of New Hawai‘i Products

» Identify, develop, and produce Hawai‘i-branded,

high-value export products and expand available

markets for producers.

» Develop value-added product creation capability in

coordination with the University of Hawai‘i and the

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

F O R A B R I G H T E R F U T U R E

ECONOMY & FISCAL MANAGEMENT

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CHARTING TOMORROW14

ECONOMIC GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

The economy is on solid footing and continues to

grow. Last year, the tourism industry hit record levels

with major indicators, including visitor arrivals and

expenditures, at all-time peaks. The state is projecting

further tourism growth of 1.7 percent in 2014. All

other sectors of the economy show positive indicators.

Hawai‘i has one of the nation’s lowest unemployment

rates along with record highs in the labor force and

employment. We anticipate continued growth in the

economy overall, driven by a robust construction

sector, which is anticipated to grow by 15 percent in

2014. Real property values remain high. The military

is at the highest level of active duty personnel since

WWII. This year, the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise,

which began in June, includes 23 participating

countries, making it the largest defense exercise in

Hawai‘i’s history. We are also seeing unprecedented

diversification of our economy in new and exciting

areas that bode well for our future.

ECONOMY & FISCAL MANAGEMENT

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CHARTING TOMORROW 15

Record Number of Workers in the Labor Force

In May 2014, the state reached a record high labor

force of 661,900. Meanwhile, Hawai‘i’s statewide

unemployment rate has improved to one of the lowest

in the nation, dropping from 6.8 percent in late 2010 to

4.4 percent in May 2014.

Replenishment of the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund

Previously, the Unemployment Compensation Trust

Fund was nearly bankrupt and the state had to borrow

from the federal government. The fund now has a

healthy balance. We have also helped employers by

reducing unemployment insurance tax rates for 2014

by 35 percent on average. This year, the improved rates

are projected to save employers $300 per employee –

or a total of $130 million.

HI Growth Initiative

The HI Growth Initiative was established within the

Hawai‘i Strategic Development Corporation to foster

a healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem by leveraging

research funds and mobilizing Hawai‘i-based seed

funds. To date, $15 million has been obligated.

Broadband Investment and Infrastructure to Meet 21st Century Demand

Legislation was signed to facilitate the expansion of

high-speed broadband capabilities in the state and

funding was obtained for environmental studies to

help bring high-speed broadband cables to Hawai‘i.

The state’s Broadband Strategic Plan was completed.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

Funding was provided to continue STEM programs in

Hawai‘i’s public schools.

AC H I E V E M E N T S

ECONOMY & FISCAL MANAGEMENT

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Build a 21st Century Infrastructure for Needed Projects that Continue to Provide Employment to Hawai‘i’s Residents

Build a 21st century infrastructure with a focus on

high-speed broadband, airport modernization, and

clean energy.

Avoid Additional Burdens on Businesses

Small businesses are the backbone of Hawai‘i’s

economy. By maintaining strong fiscal management

and a healthy budgetary positive balance, the state

must avoid implementing broad-based tax or fee

increases that put additional strains on those doing

business here in Hawai‘i.

Improve Hawai‘i’s Business Climate

Further streamline government processes to allow

businesses to focus on growth. Continue the

significant progress that is already underway by

fully implementing the state’s ambitious Business

and Information Technology/Information Resource

Management (IT/IRM) Transformation Plan, which was

unveiled in October 2012.

Increase Workforce Housing

Increase affordable and workforce housing and

revitalize Honolulu’s urban core by providing a place

for Hawai‘i’s families to live and creating new business

opportunities. More than half of new housing in

Kaka‘ako is affordable or moderately priced for Hawai‘i’s

working families. As construction drives the economy

and continues to accelerate to meet demands such

as affordable housing, we can expect increased jobs,

strong revenue, and continued economic improvement.

Support an Innovation Ecosystem

Diversify the economy by building an ecosystem to

support export-oriented companies in the innovation

sector through efforts such as the HI Growth Initiative.

Support Workforce Development

Support efforts to further grow Hawai‘i’s workforce.

Support educational programs to improve skills and

create a more diversified workforce.

Increase Airlift Capacity

Additional flights and airlift capacity will allow Hawai‘i’s

tourism industry to grow even more. It is imperative to

work with local, domestic and international air carriers

to ensure Hawai‘i maintains its position as a profitable

and attractive market.

Expand International Marketing

Hawai‘i remains a popular destination for travelers

from the U.S. and Japan. However, to continue to

grow the tourism sector, we must expand our reach

beyond these mature markets. China, Korea, Southeast

Asia, and other Asian markets are attractive growth

opportunities that we will pursue.

F O R A B R I G H T E R F U T U R E

ECONOMY & FISCAL MANAGEMENT

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FISCAL MANAGEMENT

In 2010, at the beginning of this Administration,

the state faced a $220 million budget deficit.

Tough choices were made, and everyone in Hawai‘i

shared the sacrifices that were made. As a result of

that shared sacrifice combined with prudent fiscal

management, the state ended the 2013 fiscal year

with a positive general fund balance of approximately

$844 million. This healthy ending balance allowed the

Administration to restore previously cut programs,

maintain crucial services, and begin to improve other

initiatives.

ECONOMY & FISCAL MANAGEMENT

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CHARTING TOMORROW18

AC H I E V E M E N T S

F O R A B R I G H T E R F U T U R E

Increase our savings by continuing to build fiscal

reserves on an annual basis, with a target of 10 percent

of general fund expenditures.

Watch what we spend and maintain an ending

balance of 5 percent of general fund revenues through

each year of the six-year state financial plan.

Target infrastructure investments by identifying

$500 million in formal public-private partnership

capital improvement projects for fiscal years 2016

through 2020.

Make government services work better by

implementing the Enterprise Resource Planning project

that will streamline and standardize government

operations across executive departments through a

unified informational system.

Improve our fiscal standing by striving for a credit

upgrade to AAA status for the state’s general

obligation credit.

Pay down future anticipated debts by reducing the

unfunded portion of pension liability to less than $6

billion (from $8.5 billion in fiscal year 2013) or increase

the funded portion to be greater than 70 percent (from

60 percent in fiscal year 2013).

Dramatic Improvement of Our State’s Fiscal Health

» $1 billion turnaround since 2010.

» Restored and began replenishing depleted reserve

funds – the state’s “savings account” in the event of

future economic downturns.

» Upgraded the state’s outlook from “stable” to

“positive” according to Standard & Poor’s Ratings

Services (the equivalent of boosting the state’s

credit score).

Finance Market Response to Hawai‘i’s Fiscal Turnaround

» In 2011, the state completed the largest bond sale

in Hawai‘i’s history, totaling $1.3 billion.

» In 2012, the state sold $870 million in bonds and

achieved the lowest interest rate for state bonds

in Hawai‘i’s history – almost a full percentage

point lower than the previous low secured by the

Administration the prior year.

Paying Down and Stabilizing Future Debt and Liabilities

» Implemented pension reforms to begin turning

around the insolvency of the Employees’ Retirement

System and reduce the state’s unfunded liabilities

related to obligations for future healthcare

coverage benefits.

» Stabilized future costs and expenditures by

concluding collective bargaining agreements,

several of which are for multiple years, which brings

predictability and assurances that government

services will continue uninterrupted.

» Launched a statewide Enterprise Resource Planning

System to modernize, streamline and better align

Hawai‘i’s information systems and government

processes with effective, efficient and consistent

services to the public.

ECONOMY & FISCAL MANAGEMENT

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CHARTING TOMORROW 19

TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

Infrastructure, particularly as it relates to transportation,

is one of the most fundamental services provided by

government. For too long, Hawai‘i’s infrastructure has

not been maintained and updated to keep pace with

our population’s changing needs and growth patterns.

Furthermore, when I took office, state finances were

in shambles and we faced a deficit of more than $200

million, which made it difficult to pay for infrastructure

upgrades. Despite these challenges, we made it a

priority to invest in improving our infrastructure from

the start of our Administration. We invested more

than $3 billion in these improvements to kick-start

our economy and create jobs. We also improved our

fiscal health and our credit rating so we could borrow

at historically low rates, making upgrades in our

infrastructure more affordable than ever.

ECONOMY & FISCAL MANAGEMENT

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CHARTING TOMORROW20

Infrastructure Investments

Since 2010, the state has released, with improved

efficiency, more than $3 billion for capital

improvement projects, thus investing in state facilities

and infrastructure while stimulating the local economy

and providing jobs for residents.

Airports

$750 Million Improvement Program Launched at Honolulu International Airport

The program includes a new terminal, concourse,

and consolidated rental car facility, along with airport

infrastructure upgrades. These upgrades and additions

are the first major improvements in more than 20

years and will address high peak hour demand for

gates, accommodation of larger aircraft, and improved

operations and efficiency.

Hawai‘i Airports Go Green

An Energy Savings Contract was entered that will save

$518 million in electricity and water costs over the

20-year contract period. Installing energy efficient

technology, upgrading equipment and addressing

deferred maintenance will greatly reduce the

department’s carbon footprint and is in line with the

Administration’s goal to reduce the state’s dependence

on fossil fuels.

Emergency Power Facility at Honolulu International Airport

Powered with biodiesel, the new facility will keep

critical airport functions up and running during an

emergency or prolonged power outage. The facility

is expected to be completed in summer 2014 and will

provide electricity to Hawaiian Electric during non-

emergency conditions. Hawaiian Electric is partnering

with the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT)

and will provide reimbursement for maintenance and

electricity generated.

Hilo International Airport Cargo Facility

Construction is well underway for the $14 million

airport cargo facility at Hilo International Airport. This

facility will provide streamlined cargo and inspection

services all under one roof.

Celebrating Our Local Heroes

A new exhibit titled “Celebrating Our Local Heroes”

was dedicated at the Honolulu International Airport

honoring the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye and

the late Hawai‘i sports legend Wally Yonamine. The

displays feature photos, memorabilia and narratives

highlighting the contributions of these local heroes to

Hawai‘i during their illustrious careers.

AC H I E V E M E N T S

ECONOMY & FISCAL MANAGEMENT

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CHARTING TOMORROW 21

Improved Safety and Efficiency at Honolulu Harbor Pier 29

» The project received $24.5 million in federal

stimulus funds through the Transportation

Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER)

Discretionary Grant Program, part of the American

Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This federal

funding was an integral part of the project’s quick

start, covering nearly 85 percent of the total $29

million project cost.

» As the first harbor project in the nation to receive

TIGER grant funding, the Pier 29 project restores

approximately 12 acres of upgraded cargo space that

will increase operational efficiency and workplace

safety at Honolulu Harbor. Along with the concrete

pavement reconstruction, new drainage, water,

lighting, sewer, and fire protection and electrical

systems were also installed, increasing Honolulu

Harbor’s cargo capacity by creating more space for

additional container ships and commerce.

Kawaihae Harbor Modernization Project

This project broke ground in 2013 and is expected

to be completed in 2014. It will provide a new $7

million cargo terminal that will improve the safety

and efficiency of cargo operations at Hawai‘i Island’s

fastest-growing commercial port.

New Harbor Police Patrol Boat

The Kia‘iawa, whose name means “harbor guardian,”

will patrol both Honolulu Harbor and Kalaeloa

Barbers Point Harbor, improving port safety and

security. The new 27-foot, aluminum-hull vessel can

patrol at high speeds and with high maneuverability.

It provides a safe, enclosed cabin for harbor police

for their daily patrols.

Kahului Harbor Surveillance and Command Information System

Funded by a Department of Homeland Security Port

Security Grant, this system provides heightened port

security through shared video feeds between state

harbors and other agencies for common situational

awareness.

Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor Master Plan

This master plan process is underway and will guide

the development and utilization of the state’s second

largest commercial port. In conjunction with the

master plan, an Environmental Impact Statement is in

progress for a dedicated fuel pier that will help meet

Hawai‘i’s future energy needs.

Kaunakakai Harbor Ferry Terminal Improvements

Passengers using the ferry from Kaunakakai Harbor

on Moloka‘i to Lahaina Harbor on Maui now have an

upgraded and modernized facility with an expanded

passenger waiting area, upgraded restroom facilities,

and a larger parking lot that allows for better traffic

flow. This joint project with the State Department

of Land and Natural Resources also included fire

protection and sewage system improvements and the

rehabilitation of a portion of the commercial pier.

Hilo Harbor Kumau Street Entrance Improvements

Work is underway to widen Kumau Street from two

lanes to four lanes. The improvements will provide

alternate entry and exit points for commercial cargo

traffic when cruise ships are in port, thus relieving

traffic congestion at this vital facility for East Hawai‘i

by helping to separate passenger traffic from cargo

operations and improving traffic safety and overall

efficiency. The project is expected to be completed in

January 2015.

Commercial Harbors

ECONOMY & FISCAL MANAGEMENT

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Saddle Road Newest Portion Completed, Renamed Daniel K. Inouye Highway

HDOT completed $30.8 million in improvements

to Saddle Road – West Side, Defense Access Road.

With the completion of this project, 31 miles of the

former Saddle Road has been improved to modern

standards, greatly increasing safety and providing

an important connecting route between West

Hawai‘i and East Hawai‘i.

Honoapi‘ilani Highway Realignment (Lahaina Bypass) – First Two Segments Open

HDOT completed the $50 million Phase 1A of the

Honoapi‘ilani Highway realignment project from

Keawe Street to Lahainaluna Road in December 2013

and completed and opened the $35 million 1B-1

second phase from Lahainaluna Road to Hokiokio Place

in January 2014. This long-awaited bypass highway

provides residents and visitors with an alternate route

to alleviate traffic as well as an emergency exit route.

Hawai‘i Driver’s License System Compliance with Federal Real ID Act of 2005

Certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland

Security, this system ensures that Hawai‘i’s drivers’

licenses and state identification cards are recognized

as official identification documents by the federal

government and are in compliance with Hawai‘i’s

Legal Presence Law.

Kapolei Interchange Phase I Completed

In August 2012, this $26 million project opened to

the public, providing much-needed alternate freeway

access for the growing neighborhoods of Kapolei and

Makakilo. The additional ramps improve traffic flow on

the area’s main streets, reduce congestion and provide

more access to the H-1 Freeway.

Freeway Service Patrol Expanded Route East to Hawai‘i Kai

This popular service offers a free tow, tire change, or

other emergency services to motorists stalled on the

most heavily trafficked sections of the H-1 Freeway

and part of the H-2 Freeway. Quickly and safely moving

stalled vehicles off the freeway minimizes traffic

disruptions.

Restriping Projects Provide High Impact, Low-Cost Traffic Improvements

Projects on the H-1 Freeway, H-201 Moanalua Freeway,

Fort Weaver Road and Kamehameha Highway in

Wahiawā Town are addressing traffic congestion

and delays by adding lanes through restriping.

These projects have resulted in quick and successful

improvements at a fraction of the cost of traditional

build-out projects.

Highways

ECONOMY & FISCAL MANAGEMENT

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Statewide Pedestrian Plan

This project won state and national American Planning

Association awards for transportation planning. As

the first statewide plan in the nation to focus on

pedestrians, it provides planners and engineers

with priorities and a toolbox of work that may be

incorporated into current and future projects. Three

pedestrian improvement projects have already been

completed.

‘Ihi‘ihilauākea Stream Bridge Repairs

Repairs were made to cracks and spalling in this

83-year-old concrete bridge located on Kalaniana‘ole

Highway near Koko Head. Damaged sections and steel

reinforcing bars were replaced, and a fiber-reinforced

polymer carbon fiber wrap system was installed

around the new concrete to further strengthen the

repairs. Repaired areas were painted to restore the

original appearance and provide an additional layer of

protection against the elements.

Walk Wise Hawaii (WWH)

This public education program is a pedestrian safety

partnership between HDOT, the City & County of

Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services

(DTS), the Honolulu Police Department and TLC

PR (formerly The Limtiaco Company). Its purpose

is to educate the public, particularly seniors and

children, on good pedestrian behavior and to raise

driver awareness of pedestrians. It recently received

an award from the National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration for Public Service.

Highways

Infrastructure InvestmentsAnnual Capital Improvement Expenditures 2004-20131

Source: State of Hawai‘i.1Actual. Includes all funding sources, including State, Federal and Private contributions to State projects.

$1,300,000,000

$975,000,000

$650,000,000

$325,000,000

$02004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

ECONOMY & FISCAL MANAGEMENT

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Accelerate Infrastructure Upgrades

While substantial investments have already been

made in our infrastructure by our Administration, we

believe it is necessary to accelerate the pace of this

activity. Infrastructure provides long-term benefits and

is a sound investment in Hawai‘i’s future.

Transit-Oriented Development

The State of Hawai‘i can play a key role in O‘ahu’s

future by actively seeking opportunities to responsibly

participate in transit-oriented development (TOD).

Through public-private partnerships, we have the

opportunity to work with other government entities,

private businesses and the community to establish

residential and commercial uses around the transit

stops along the Honolulu Rapid Transit rail line. Doing

so will help to concentrate development along the rail

corridor, keeping the country country. The possibility

of also utilizing state lands for these types of projects

presents the potential to create a valuable revenue

stream for the state.

Going Green at State Facilities

Hawai‘i is at the forefront of clean energy, and we

will continue to lead efforts to go green at our state

facilities – from schools to airports to harbors – to

reduce our dependence on imported fuel and curtail

our long-term operating expenses. This is a win-win

opportunity that can now be made more affordable

thanks to innovative Energy Savings Company (ESCO)

financing and project management opportunities.

Harbor Modernization

Our harbors are the hub of commerce in the islands.

Without sufficient capacity and modern improvements,

we simply cannot support the daily needs of Hawai‘i’s

population. Our Administration has already made

great strides to more efficiently structure the use and

layout of our major harbors, but there is more to do.

We will substantially increase resources and efforts to

accelerate the pace of these projects.

Airport Modernization

Our airports are the gateways connecting our islands

and the world. We must continue to invest in readying

our airports to meet the demands and expectations of

travelers in the 21st century. We will not only upgrade

our airports to increase energy efficiency, but also

ensure our airports have the amenities and aesthetic

appeal to welcome tourists and serve locals.

Highway Modernization

State highways serve all the people of Hawai‘i. Yet,

as our population has grown and moved into new

communities, the highways have struggled to keep

pace. Now that we have established a strong financial

foundation for the state, we can afford to build, expand

and improve our highways to meet the needs of our

growing population.

F O R A B R I G H T E R F U T U R E

ECONOMY & FISCAL MANAGEMENT

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EDUCATION

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EARLY LEARNING

Early learning is the educational foundation by which

a child develops the necessary skills to succeed in

the future. Our goal is to create a comprehensive and

integrated statewide early childhood development

and learning system where children are healthy and

developing, where they have access to high-quality

early learning programs, where their families are

supported, and where they enter kindergarten ready

to succeed.

The goal of early learning is not only to increase access

and provide more opportunities for preschool-aged

children and their families, but also to improve the

quality of the learning and educational experience

so that these keiki have the tools they need to be

prepared and ready for K-12.

EDUCATION

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CHARTING TOMORROW 27

» Created state-funded prekindergarten in Hawai‘i

and established in law Hawai‘i’s commitment to

preschool

» Increased the state’s investment in 4-year-olds by

$9 million

» Introduced and supported a proposed

Constitutional Amendment, which will be

considered by voters in November 2014, to allow

state funding of public-private partnerships to

support our existing mixed-delivery system

» Established and funded the Executive Office on

Early Learning

» Endorsed the Hawai‘i Early Learning and

Development Standards

» Made kindergarten mandatory through the

enactment of Act 76, Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2014

» Created the Early Childhood Action Strategy Taking

Action for Hawai‘i’s Children, which sets a course

for the future of Hawai‘i’s children regarding their

health, safety, care, and education

AC H I E V E M E N T S

F O R A B R I G H T E R F U T U R E

EDUCATION

Access to Prekindergarten

Increase the number of 4-year-olds who will have the

opportunity for a prekindergarten experience to 75

percent through our mixed-delivery early learning

system, which includes private community-based

preschools such as Seagull Schools, Kama‘āina Kids,

and KCAA. Head Start programs for our lowest-income

children; family-child interaction learning programs

such as Tūtū and Me; and Department of Education

(DOE) prekindergarten classrooms.

High-Quality Early Learning Programs

Support the various programs in our mixed-delivery

system in implementing and integrating elements

of quality.

Alignment of Early Learning to Kindergarten

Ensure collaboration between programs serving young

children and the DOE to provide smooth transitions for

children and families as they move into kindergarten

classrooms.

On-Track Health and Development

Through interagency collaboration and monitoring,

ensure that all children receive comprehensive

screenings, assessments and the necessary follow-up

to support health and development.

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EDUCATION

By working together and making tough choices,

Hawai‘i has accelerated progress for our children. In

the last four years, we have built a strong foundation

and will continue to pave the way for every child to

have access to quality educational opportunities –

from early childhood through high school and beyond.

In 2014, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

called Hawai‘i a “rising star” and referred to the state’s

progress in education as “extraordinary.” Through

more quality preschool opportunities as well as

improved experiences and outcomes for every child

in our state, we must fulfill the promise of public

education for our keiki and secure the future of our

community and economy.

EDUCATION

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AC H I E V E M E N T S

EDUCATION

Unprecedented gains in K-12 student achievement, validated by national measures

» Hawai‘i is one of the top five fastest improving

states in the country since 2009, as measured by the

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

» In 2013, for the first time, Hawai‘i surpassed the national

average on the NAEP in 4th grade mathematics.

More Hawai‘i public school graduates entering college and ready for college-level work

» College enrollment has increased from 50 percent

for the Class of 2010 to 54 percent for the Class

of 2013.

» More Hawai‘i public school graduates are prepared

for college and are taking college-level courses

when they enter the University of Hawai‘i.

Investment in early childhood education

» An additional 900 children from our highest-need communities attended preschool as part of the state’s Race to the Top initiative. Approximately 1,100 children will be able to attend preschool via state support through Preschool Open Doors. A newly created prekindergarten program implemented collaboratively by the DOE and the Executive Office on Early Learning will serve approximately 420 children.

» A constitutional amendment was approved that allows us to build on Hawai‘i’s preschool tradition and current resources by allowing for state-supported public-private preschool programs for all children.

» A new requirement for 5-year-olds to attend kindergarten was implemented to ensure a learning

foundation for every child.

CLASS OF 2010 CLASS OF 2013

Decrease in need for English remediation 33% 31%

Decrease in need for math remediation 36% 32%

Increase in students taking college-level English 36% 41%

Increase in students taking college-level math 20% 27%

College and Career Readiness Indicators

Source: Hawaii P-20 http://www.p20hawaii.org/resources/college-and-career-readiness-indicators-reports/2012-ccri-data/

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AC H I E V E M E N T S

EDUCATION

Shared accountability for student growth, meaning that we are supporting more and expecting more from students, teachers, leaders and schools

» New graduation requirements that meet the demands

of a 21st century economy and community: Students

have more rigorous and consistent graduation

requirements, aligned with Common Core State

Standards, to prepare them for success in college or

careers upon graduation.

» Teacher contract with union agreement to tie pay

to performance: Rigorous annual evaluations

provide teachers with more useful feedback about

their teaching and opportunities to improve,

and probation/tenure and pay increases are tied

to effective performance. Hawai‘i is leading the

country in this important effort and is committed

to continuing to improve the system with educator

feedback in collaboration with the Hawai‘i State

Teachers Association.

» Administrator performance evaluations also impact

compensation: Administrators (principals, the

superintendent and the superintendent’s leadership

team) also have performance-based evaluations.

» New school accountability measures: DOE public

schools are held accountable for a variety of measures

that reflect the work they do with children, not just a

single test.

» Charter school performance contracts and

accountability: Charter schools have performance

contracts that demand operational viability and

hold these public schools accountable for student

achievement.

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F O R A B R I G H T E R F U T U R E

EDUCATION

Progress made by our students, educators, and

schools defied skeptics at home and across the

country about our ability to improve education

for our keiki and be a national leader. The DOE

incorporated key ideas of Race to the Top within

its strategic plan, and we need to sustain the

momentum to fulfill our promise to all keiki.

Work in partnership at all levels

» Continue to build on and form productive relationships

between the governor, the superintendent, and the

Board of Education, as well as between community

organizations and businesses, in coordination

with schools.

» Partner with the community to provide our

students with a variety of opportunities for well-

rounded education

Ensure support for teachers

» Provide teachers with more time to plan and take

advantage of professional learning opportunities

to ensure better outcomes for our keiki

» Reward and retain our effective teachers with

resources – including compensation – and provide

them with opportunities for professional growth.

Provide 21st century learning tools for Hawai‘i’s students

Provide each of Hawai‘i’s students with a mobile device

to personalize learning and provide the tools students

need to be successful in today’s global society.

Challenge high school students to earn college credits while obtaining their high school diploma to propel them into advanced education and training

Provide more opportunities for high school juniors

and seniors to earn college credits while in high school

through Advanced Placement courses, International

Baccalaureate courses, and courses at the University of

Hawai‘i. Increase opportunities for students statewide

through a variety of options including online courses.

Enrich children through a well-rounded education that includes arts and culture

Expand the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and

the Arts’ Artists in Schools program. Provide more

children and teachers with the opportunity to work

with artists in engaging, creative, and entertaining ways.

Provide children and their families with easy access to basic health services in their community

Establish partnerships between the state, community

health centers and private healthcare providers to

offer clinical services at select schools throughout the

islands. This will allow every child to access basic health

care and preventive screenings that enable them to

thrive in school and in the community.

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HIGHER EDUCATION

The University of Hawai‘i (UH) system is an economic

engine for the state and the people of Hawai‘i take

great pride in UH’s academic and athletic programs.

UH has made great progress over the years, providing

a quality education and opportunities for its students.

We need to do all that we can to ensure that college

is both accessible and affordable for students on all

islands, and that students are provided academic

offerings that will allow them to be competitive once

they enter the workforce.

It is also critical that UH faculty and staff have the

resources and support they need to be effective

educators and to conduct innovative research. The

research conducted by UH influences both public

and private sector decision making that impacts the

economy, environment, and Hawai‘i’s people.

We must provide students and faculty with a safe

and enriching learning and working environment by

reducing UH’s repair and maintenance backlog. The

UH System is one of Hawai‘i’s most valuable resources,

and we must nurture it and grow it to become a

world-class institution.

EDUCATION

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AC H I E V E M E N T S

F O R A B R I G H T E R F U T U R E

Governor’s Cabinet

Incorporated UH into the Governor’s Cabinet to allow for

improved coordination and communication.

UH West O‘ahu

Completed and opened the UH West O‘ahu campus, after

more than 30 years of waiting, to increase access to higher

education for O‘ahu’s Leeward Coast, including important

underserved groups such as Native Hawaiians, Filipinos,

and Pacific Islanders.

Pālamanui Campus

Broke ground and began construction on the Pālamanui

Campus of Hawai‘i Community College, thereby

broadening educational opportunities on the west side of

Hawai‘i Island.

Astronomy and Economic Opportunities

Excelled in astronomy and developed economic

opportunities for the islands of Hawai‘i and Maui through

construction of the Advanced Technology Solar Telescope

on Haleakalā and furthered progress on the Thirty Meter

Telescope on Mauna Kea.

Expanded Reach and Degrees Awarded

Expanded educational reach and service by increasing the

number of degrees awarded to students through the UH

System from 8,084 in fiscal year 2009 to 10,001 in fiscal year

2013 – a 24 percent increase.

Hawaiian Studies

Perpetuated our state’s host culture and language by

instituting the first associate of arts degree in Hawaiian

Facility Maintenance

Accelerate renovation and continuation of funding for UH

facilities statewide.

55 x 25 Goal (Degrees Awarded)

Ensure that the state is on track to fulfill 55 x 25 – Hawai‘i’s

education goal of having 55 percent of working-age adults

(25-64 years old) with a two- or four-year college degree

by the year 2025 – while improving the rate at which our

students complete their degrees. This will allow students to

graduate with a degree in the least amount time necessary

to prevent the accumulation of too many credits and too

much student debt.

Education Alignment

Improve the alignment among our early education, K-12,

and university and community college systems, and

between education and our workforce, to ensure that all

our children will have opportunities for a sustainable and

livable future with good-paying jobs within our state.

Education and Research Opportunities

Strategically utilize Hawai‘i’s role internationally to support

premier education opportunities and research projects

such as Global Studies programs, the Hawai‘i Language

Road map Initiative, Community College Career and

Technical Training (C3T) grants and more.

EDUCATION

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ENVIRONMENT

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CLEAN ENERGY TRANSFORMATION & GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION

Hawai‘i continues to lead the nation with the Hawai‘i

Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) goal of 70 percent clean

energy by 2030. We are on target to exceed electricity

milestones ahead of schedule and create a road map

for meeting clean transportation goals.

Hawai‘i imports most of its energy and has the highest

energy costs in the nation. However, the state has

not sat idle. Energy has become one of Hawai‘i’s most

important economic enterprises, and clean energy is

the driving force behind our economic transformation.

Going forward, Hawai‘i will continue to lead the charge

for clean energy policy, planning and deployment. The

state is poised to serve as an international test bed for

renewable energy and energy efficiency that creates

green jobs and attracts investment.

ENVIRONMENT

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AC H I E V E M E N T S

ENVIRONMENT

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rules

Signed new greenhouse gas emissions rules to support

continued reduction of greenhouse gases for climate

change mitigation.

Hawai‘i Clean Energy Policy

Established a comprehensive, five-point energy policy

that outlines the state’s commitment to maximizing

the development of cost-effective investments in clean

energy production and management for the purpose

of promoting Hawai‘i’s energy security.

Source: Net Energy Metering and Feed-in Tariff Reports, 2013 (Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission)

Source: Renewable Portfolio Standards Status Report, 2007-2013 (Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission)

Dis

trib

uted

Ren

ewab

le E

nerg

y Sy

stem

s In

stal

led

Tota

l Cap

acit

y of

Sys

tem

s In

stal

led-

kW)

20,000

18,000

16,000

14,000

12,000

10,000

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

0

140,000

120,000

80,000

60,000

40,000

20,000

0

HECO HELCO MECO KIUC

40,717 Distributed Renewable Energy Systems Total 253,500 kW Installed Statewide

1,196 kW207

2007

4,663 kW565

2008

7,213 kW1,168

2009

11,984 kW2,190

2010

33,230 kW5,516

2011

79,263 kW12,566

2012

115,081 kW18,316

2013

Renewable Energy SystemsNumber of Systems Installed and Capacity by kW

Renewable Energy Generation by Resource

Biomass

Commercial Solar

Wind

Geothermal

Hydro

Biofuels

Distributed PV

Rene

wab

le G

ener

atio

n (G

Whs

)

2007

945.5

2008

978.0

2009

964.6

2010

950.7

1,186.01,324.0

1,648.5

2011 2012

2012

2013

2013

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

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AC H I E V E M E N T S

ENVIRONMENT

Solar Construction

Achieved $1.72 billion in solar-related construction

expenditures since 2010.

Green Energy Market Securitization (GEMS) Program

Established the GEMS program to make clean energy

improvements affordable and accessible for Hawai‘i’s

consumers, including the underserved.

Renewable Energy Goals

Established Hawai‘i’s Energy Policy Directives and

commitment to go beyond the target of 40 percent

renewable energy by 2030.

Energy Performance Contracting

Received a prestigious award from the Clinton

Global Initiative for fulfilling our commitment to

energy performance contracting by implementing

an airport energy savings program to modernize the

state’s 12 airports with the latest in energy efficient

green technology. The project is the single largest

government energy savings contract in the nation and

will cut energy use by 49 percent, create hundreds of

local jobs and save at least $518 million in energy costs

over the next 20 years.

F O R A B R I G H T E R F U T U R E

Incentivize private finance through strategic government investment, direction and coordination

Utilize revenues from the barrel tax to fulfill the original

intent of facilitating clean energy transformation. Go beyond the HCEI goal for 40 percent renewable energy

Stay on target to exceed the HCEI 2030 goal of 40

percent renewable energy for electricity ahead of

schedule.

Establish a transportation plan for HCEI to reduce fossil fuel use and emissions

Work with counties, federal agencies and community

partners to identify and implement alternative fuels,

efficiencies and multi-modal opportunities for clean

transportation, including the expansion of bike sharing

and car sharing.

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ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE & NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Hawai‘i is the endangered species capital of the U.S.

with an economy that is dependent on a healthy

environment. As an island state, Hawai‘i is especially

vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as

sea-level rise, drought, increased storms, and ocean

acidification. Freshwater will become increasingly

important as we face the impacts of climate change.

Hawai‘i must establish a waste reduction strategy to

further lessen the amount of waste that goes into our

landfills. It is a priority of our Administration to steward

our environment and natural resources through

partnerships to protect and restore our core watershed

areas and reefs; support healthy fisheries, freshwater

security, and biodiversity; and ensure effective waste

management. Hawai‘i is also planning for the impacts

of climate change by making sure that our critical

infrastructure, natural resources, and food system

are resilient.

ENVIRONMENT

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AC H I E V E M E N T S

ENVIRONMENT

Worked collaboratively with the City and County of

Honolulu, private conservation groups, and the Turtle

Bay Resort to establish a conservation easement,

preserving 665.8 acres of land at Turtle Bay Resort

in perpetuity.

Won the bid to host the largest international

environmental meeting, the World Conservation

Congress, in 2016, for the first time in the U.S.

Appointed to President Obama’s State, Local and

Tribal Leaders Task Force for Climate Preparedness

and Resilience, and shared Hawai‘i’s unique needs and

approaches through the Navigating Change report.

Launched the Department of Land and Natural

Resources’ Rain Follows the Forest Watershed

Initiative to protect critical watershed areas, which

are Hawai‘i’s source of freshwater and home to fragile

native species ecosystems.

Established Hawai‘i’s Climate Change Adaptation

Priority Guidelines.

Worked closely with the Legislature to pass the

Hawai‘i Climate Adaptation Initiative (Act 83,

Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2014) to create an interagency

climate adaptation committee and draft a sea-level

rise strategy.

Became the first sub-national government to sign

onto the Majuro Declaration for Climate Leadership

highlighting our commitments to clean energy,

greenhouse gas emissions reduction and climate

change adaptation.

Updated the Ocean Resources Management Plan

and established interagency implementation teams

to work on ocean and coastal resource management

priorities.

Restored the fiscal health of the beverage container

program as a major waste reduction strategy through

recycling.

Effectively responded to environmental cleanups,

such as the molasses spill in Honolulu Harbor.

Engaged more than 1,000 citizens through Resilient

Hawai‘i Forums and the Governor’s Online Survey

to develop recommendations on how to make

Hawai‘i’s built systems, natural resources, agriculture,

community, health and disaster management more

resilient.

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F O R A B R I G H T E R F U T U R E

ENVIRONMENT

Climate Adaptation

Engage state departments, counties, federal agencies,

businesses, and community partners in the interagency

climate adaptation committee to proactively plan and

execute a coordinated response to the impacts of

climate change. Hawai‘i’s Reefs

Restore Hawai‘i’s reefs as the foundation for healthy

fisheries and climate resilience for sea-level rise and

storms. Establish more coral colonies through coral

reef nursery projects and double the amount of

artificial reefs.

Hawai‘i’s Core Watersheds

Stay on track to protect 20 percent of Hawai‘i’s priority

watersheds areas by 2021 through invasive species

removal and restoration projects.

Hawai‘i’s Reefs

Restore Hawai‘i’s reefs as the foundation for healthy

fisheries and climate resilience for sea-level rise and

storms. Establish more coral colonies through coral

reef nursery projects and double the amount of

artificial reefs.

Water Conservation

Identify and implement innovative solutions for

reducing and reusing potable and wastewater.

Solid Waste Reduction

Stay on target to achieve the Aloha+ Challenge goal

of reducing our solid waste stream by 70 percent by

2030. Encourage source reduction, recycling and

bioconversion through partnerships with the counties,

nonprofit organizations and the private sector.

Expansion of the E-Waste Recycling Program

Increase authority and funding for e-waste recycling

and recycle all state government e-waste.

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INTEGRATED SUSTAINABILITY

Hawai‘i is a microcosm of the world’s sustainability

challenges and is uniquely vulnerable to the impacts

of climate change. We have the opportunity to serve

as a national and international model for innovative

and integrated whole-system solutions. We must

strengthen the following key areas as the building

blocks for a sustainable, resilient, secure, diverse, and

equitable economy for current and future generations:

» Clean energy transformation and greenhouse gas

reduction

» Agriculture and local food production

» Invasive species prevention and control

» Natural resource management and

environmental health

» Waste reduction

» Climate change preparedness and adaptation

» Integrated sustainability

In 2011, we made sustainability a priority for our state

by incorporating the definition, goals, and principles

into our State Plan through Act 181. Hawai‘i’s official

state definition of sustainability emphasizes that we

must strike a balance between economic, social and

community, and environmental priorities. Balance

must be achieved through the following key strategies:

» Integrated approach: Break down silos between

government agencies and levels of government

through collaborative leadership and joint action.

» Partnerships: Work closely with the private sector

and with communities on shared projects.

» Accountability: Set measurable targets, track

progress, and support data-driven decision-making.

» Lead by example: Make government operations

greener to increase efficiency and sustainability

while reducing impacts and costs.

» Smart investments: Strategically leverage government

investments to support state sustainability goals.

Hawai‘i can offer a unique “aloha approach to

sustainability” that is rooted in culture, collaboration,

and community.

As Ambassador Ronald Jumeau of the Seychelles

said when inviting Hawai‘i to make an international

commitment to sustainability, “It is time for Hawai‘i to

stand up, step forward and be recognized as an island

leader in sustainability.”

ENVIRONMENT

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AC H I E V E M E N T S

ENVIRONMENT

» Established the first-ever state sustainability

coordinator position with the special purpose of

working across departments and with counties,

federal agencies, and community partners to

advance shared sustainability goals.

» Launched the Aloha+ Challenge together with the

mayors of every county and the chair of the Office of

Hawaiian Affairs, which makes a joint commitment

to six 2030 sustainability targets.

» Recognized the importance of public-private

partnerships and cross-sector collaboration in

building a green economy by joining other leaders

in working together as part of Hawai‘i Green Growth.

» Hawai‘i’s integrated approach to sustainability was

recognized as an international “bright spot” by the

Global Island Partnership at the United Nations’

Convention on Biological Diversity, Conference of

the Parties 11 Island Summit.

F O R A B R I G H T E R F U T U R E

Statewide Sustainability Indicators for Hawai‘i

Track progress on clean energy, local food production,

natural resource management, waste reduction, smart

growth, climate resilience, green jobs, and education

on an accessible online dashboard. Lead by Example

Build on the Department of Business, Economic

Development, and Tourism’s Lead by Example and

Green Business initiatives to make government

operations more sustainable and better support

sustainability goals through purchasing and

procurement.

Interagency Coordination and Partnerships for Sustainability

Establish a sustainability sub-cabinet and statewide

sustainability network supported by the state

sustainability coordinator.

Be a National and International Model of Biocultural Sustainability

Engage in collaborative learning with other places

as we work to address our sustainability challenges

and share Hawai‘i’s aloha approach to sustainability

through international opportunities such as the

Hōkūle‘a Worldwide Voyage.

Aloha+ Challenge

Collaborate with mayors, the Office of Hawaiian

Affairs, and other leaders to make progress on Aloha+

Challenge sustainability targets.

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INVASIVE SPECIES PREVENTION & CONTROL

Hawai‘i is facing a biological crisis due to invasive

species. We are committed to protecting Hawai‘i’s

economy, agriculture, environment, health and way of

life from the devastating impacts of invasive species by

strengthening biosecurity at our borders and between

our islands, supporting on-the-ground control efforts

in each county and watershed, and effectively working

across departments for effective response.

ENVIRONMENT

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AC H I E V E M E N T S

ENVIRONMENT

» Strengthened the interagency Hawai‘i Invasive

Species Council with strong cabinet-level

participation and coordination to provide policy-

level direction, prioritization, and planning

among state departments, federal agencies, and

international and local initiatives.

» Supported the county-based Invasive Species

Committees in partnership with county, federal,

and private sector partners for early detection, rapid

response and community engagement in preventing

the spread of invasive species such as the coqui frog,

little fire ant, and miconia.

» Restored agricultural inspector positions as the

first line of defense for Hawai‘i’s biosecurity program.

» Established an apiary program within the Hawai‘i

Department of Agriculture to respond to the varroa

mite and small hive beetle outbreaks threatening

Hawai‘i’s honeybee and queen bee industry.

» Spearheaded an incident command system

response to little fire ants and coconut rhinoceros

beetle outbreaks.

» Restored four positions to resurrect the Detector

Dog Program. This program has proven extremely

effective in preventing the entry of invasive species

at our airports. Decreasing invasive threats coming

to Hawai‘i results in fewer invasive species for farmers

to mitigate, thereby decreasing the cost of farming.

F O R A B R I G H T E R F U T U R E

Strengthen Interisland Biosecurity

Increase interagency monitoring of invasive species

at airports for high priority pests such as the coqui

frog, little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, and

mosquitoes, which could carry diseases like West

Nile Virus. Protect Hawai‘i’s Borders from Invasive Species Introductions

Pursue public-private partnerships to establish joint

federal-state cargo inspection facilities at ports.

Revisit the state’s biosecurity plan to include new

technologies to increase efficiencies and help prevent

the introduction of new invasive pests into Hawai‘i.

Eradicate High Priority Pests

Eradicate the coconut rhinoceros beetle from O‘ahu

and prevent its spread to other islands.

Public-Private Partnerships

Build on partnerships with other agencies as well as

private and nonprofit groups to leverage resources and

more effectively combat invasive species in Hawai‘i.

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HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

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HEALTH

Hawai‘i’s residents have some of the best health

outcomes of any state in the nation. Overall, we

compare favorably to U.S. average rates of heart

disease, cancer and injuries. However, there are still

some communities throughout the state that do not

enjoy as favorable outcomes and have higher rates of

preventable disease and poor health. The high cost

of treating disease and injuries holds back economic

development for individuals and society. Investments

in preventive care and transformation of our healthcare

system will produce better outcomes at lower cost.

By also focusing on the social determinants of

good health, raising education levels, building safe

communities, and reducing poverty, we can achieve

the best health for our citizens in the future.

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

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AC H I E V E M E N T S

F O R A B R I G H T E R F U T U R E

Health Insurance for All Hawai‘i Residents

Hawai‘i is a leader in health insurance and has one of

the lowest uninsured rates in the country, due to the

1974 Hawai‘i Prepaid Health Care Act. As elements

of the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) come fully

online, we will work with the nonprofit Hawai‘i Health

Connector board to seek regulatory flexibility with the

federal government and ensure that processes for the

Connector are congruent with Hawai‘i’s system, which

has evolved over the last 40 years. Doing so will ensure

that our state will maximize available ACA resources

and strategies, as well as other local strategies, to

further increase the proportion of our population with

health insurance.

Access to Care

All Hawai‘i residents will have access to high quality

healthcare in their community.

Hospital-Based Services for Neighbor Islands

Improve the public hospital system and hospital-

based healthcare services for the neighbor islands.

Build telehealth networks that are widely utilized.

Since 2010, the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH)

has been building a statewide trauma system to

improve the care of the injured and expand access to

care throughout the state. Previously, we only had one

trauma center in the state, at Queen’s Medical Center.

Now, six hospitals, including each acute care hospital

on the neighbor islands, have developed services

leading to verification as Level III Trauma Centers.

Hawai‘i received an “A” grade for public health and

injury prevention and was the second highest ranking

state in the country on the American College of

Emergency Physicians Report Card on the status of

emergency medicine nationwide.

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

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HEALTHCARE TRANSFORMATION

Hawai‘i has long had one of the highest rankings

for people with health insurance in the nation.

With the help of the ACA, we will soon have close to

universal coverage. Meanwhile, we are transforming

our healthcare system to ensure high quality and

affordability for all Hawai‘i residents. We are also

investing in healthier communities through education,

economic opportunities, local farming and our natural

environment.

AC H I E V E M E N T S A comprehensive healthcare transformation plan for

the state was completed in February 2014.

F O R A B R I G H T E R F U T U R EEnsure High Quality Across Hawai‘i’s Healthcare System

Work with providers and insurers across the healthcare

system to identify and work toward high quality goals

so that every person who uses Hawai‘i’s healthcare

system can be assured of the best possible care.

Make Healthcare Affordable Now and in the Future

Use public systems such as Medicaid to encourage

widespread change in insurance payment practices to

reward prevention, good quality and outcomes, and

reduce duplication, waste and errors.

Make Hawai‘i a Healthier Place

Healthcare is not the only factor contributing to better

health. Our investments in education, a strong economy

and a supportive social environment, in addition to

support for good nutrition and opportunities to play

and exercise, will help Hawai‘i remain among the

healthiest states in the country.

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

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HOMELESSNESS

Homelessness is a multi-faceted issue with no easy

solutions. People become homeless for many different

reasons: some face mental health or drug issues, and

others are not able to make ends meet.

We can end homelessness by permanently re-housing

those who become homeless as soon as possible. For

the sickest and most chronically homeless, housing

them first and providing services is less expensive than

what the government is currently paying in emergency

calls, medical, police, jail, and court costs.

Together, we can end homelessness by focusing on

what works and by building bridges between our

public, private, and community sectors.

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

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AC H I E V E M E N T S

F O R A B R I G H T E R F U T U R E

Continued Collaboration

Continue to work collaboratively using the Housing First

model to end homelessness in Hawai‘i by making more

housing units available for the chronically homeless.

Affordable Housing

Work to build more affordable housing units, rebuild

low-income public housing units, and find affordable

rental units to house the homeless.

Support and Services

Provide the homeless with the support and services

they need to remain housed.

Hawai‘i’s First Coordinator on Homelessness

A coordinator on homelessness was appointed to

coordinate efforts statewide. This has aided the federal,

state and county governments, who are working with

private providers on a common goal to end chronic

homelessness through the Housing First model.

Hawai‘i Interagency Council on Homelessness

To reduce homelessness through collaboration

and innovation, the governor’s coordinator on

homelessness established and convened the Hawai‘i

Interagency Council on Homelessness (HICH),

ensuring integration and coordination of services

between the state, the counties, nonprofit providers,

and federal partners at the U.S. Department of

Housing and Urban Development and the U.S.

Department of Veterans Affairs.

Services for the Chronically Homeless

In 2013, the State Department of Health was

awarded a $2.1 million competitive grant from the

federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

Administration to provide intensive case management

and wrap-around services for the chronically homeless.

Plan to End Homelessness

The HICH adopted its Plan to End Homelessness,

modeled after the U.S. Interagency Council on

Homelessness plan. The plan and working committees

are organized around the following priorities:

» Retooling the homeless crisis response system

» Increasing access to stable and affordable housing

» Increasing economic stability and self-sufficiency

» Improving health and stability

Housing First

For the first time in Hawai‘i, the federal, state, and

county governments and private sector service

providers are working together on a common goal

to end chronic homelessness by using a national,

evidence-based, best practice model called Housing

First. In 2014, the Department of Human Services (DHS)

was appropriated $1.5 million for Housing First. The

legislature also appropriated $662,295 to HPHA, who

was able to leverage $40,056,369 in additional federal

funds that included funds for Section 8 vouchers.

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

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KŪPUNA

As our aging population grows dramatically, the

state will have limited resources to address the many

needs of older adults in Hawai‘i. To achieve significant

progress, everyone involved in ensuring the well-being

of Hawai‘i’s kūpuna – including the Executive Office

on Aging (EOA), area agencies on aging, public and

private elder health and social service providers, senior

advocacy groups, and consumers – must be aligned

and work toward the same vision and goals. No single

entity can fully address the issues and challenges of

the aging network. We are committed to achieving the

vision of Hawai‘i as “the best place to grow older.”

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

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AC H I E V E M E N T S

State of Active Aging

Developed a report to create the foundation for

reshaping state policy on aging, thus positioning

Hawai‘i to transition into a State of Active Aging.

Expanded Capacity to Provide More Services for Our Kūpuna

Increased the EOA’s budget by 75 percent. The EOA

provides policy and program development to build

a system of supports for seniors and their family

caregivers, so older adults may live in their own home

for as long as possible.

Helping Kūpuna Stay at Home for as Long as Possible

» Provided funds to continue healthy aging programs

to prevent and delay the need for long-term support

and services. These programs have demonstrated

decreased visits to physician offices, emergency

rooms, and hospitals; increased days spent

performing physical activities by 26 percent; and

reduced falls by 28 percent.

» Implemented the Community Living Program

(CLP), which assists individuals who are at risk of

nursing home placement and/or spending down

their savings and financial resources. The program

connects them with home and community-based

services that enable them to continue to live in the

community.

Aging and Disability Resource Centers

Developed Hawai‘i’s Aging and Disability Resource

Centers (ADRC) to help older adults, individuals with

disabilities, and family caregivers find options for long-

term care and support services.

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

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F O R A B R I G H T E R F U T U R E

Help Kūpuna Age Well

Maximize opportunities for seniors to age well, remain

active and enjoy quality lives while engaging in their

communities. Help older adults remain fit – physically,

nutritionally, mentally, financially, socially and civically.

Create opportunities to actively engage seniors inter-

generationally and continuously, thus contributing

to the greater good and building a community for

all ages.

Address Abuse of Our Kūpuna

Address the growing trend of senior exploitation,

abuse and neglect.

Long-Term Support and Service (LTSS) Information

and Resources

Develop a statewide ADRC system for kūpuna and their

families to access and receive LTSS information and

resources within their respective counties. Incorporate

person-centered, consumer self-directed approaches

into Hawai‘i’s LTSS system, develop new mechanisms

for family caregiver support and respite and prioritize

solutions to address Alzheimer’s disease and related

dementias.

LTSS Financing

Develop LTSS financing options that would prevent

poverty and ensure economic security. An LTSS

financing mechanism would spur growth of the

silver-haired industry, affecting higher education and

workforce development. It could also contribute to

the state’s overall economy through the infusion of

new revenue sources. In addition to public financing,

preventive strategies to slow or reduce the rising costs

of LTSS could begin with a concerted public-private

initiative to identify the primary contributors to high

costs and alternatives for reducing these costs.

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

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CONCLUSIONA BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR HAWAI‘I

Hawai‘i is at a crossroads. I believe our best days are ahead of us, but only if we resolve to work together and put aside our differences for the benefit of future generations. We have a choice. We can move forward on the course we’ve charted to a brighter future, a better tomorrow.

• We can invest in our infrastructure to create jobs, improve our economy and ensure we’re prepared for the 21st century.

• We can provide preschool for all children, giving future generations a head start on success.

• We can provide more care, services and financial relief for our kūpuna in return for all they’ve given us.

• We can create a more financially resilient and fiscally responsible government that can meet the needs of our citizens without mortgaging our future.

• We can protect our environment while still supporting the needs of our growing population through clean energy, local food production and responsible development.

Together, we’re charting a course to a better tomorrow.

KŪPUNA

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