Lingle sworn in, calls for bipartisan cooperation

In her second inaugural address, Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle described the 2006 state election results as a mandate from the public both for her and for the state legislature.

"That mandate," Lingle said, "is to work together to solve the state's problems, take advantage of the opportunities arrayed before us, and preserve all that is special about Hawaii."

Lingle, sworn in for her second term Monday, put that reading on an election that preserved an overwhelmingly Democratic legislature while also re-electing her Republican administration.

"And the public wants this mandate carried out in a fiscally responsible manner that provides tax relief, maintains a cushion big enough to respond to unforeseen events, and does not overburden future generations with large amounts of debt," the governor said.

Lingle said it may not be the natural inclination of politicians from different parties to work together, but added, "nonetheless, this is what the people want."

The governor questioned whether the state can continue to base its economy on land development. She acknowledged that "even average citizens see buying and selling real estate as the only path to financial security" but said the real future of the state more probably lies in human development.

Lingle did not offer specific legislative proposals, indicating that these would be forthcoming next month in her State of the State address.

Speaker of the House Calvin Say said last year that lawmakers agreed on the importance of fiscal responsibility but told PBN that when tax revenues were high, as they have been in recent years, scores of worthy causes tap lawmakers for assistance and it can be hard to say no. Say won re-election as speaker with a new coalition of supporters and changed several key leadership positions.

On the state Senate side, Sen. Colleen Hanabusa was elected president, replacing Sen. Bobby Bunda. Most key committees changed chairmen including the Labor Committee, which last year thwarted the business community's efforts to secure payroll tax relief.