Lingle's programs to strengthen island tech economy survive

Despite other setbacks for the governor this year, the ideas behind her much touted plans to make over the islands' economy and educational system to focus more on science and technology have gotten through the Legislature fairly intact.

Lawmakers say one of the things Gov. Linda Lingle's push had going for it was it's humility.

"It's interesting, when she launched her innovation initiative this session she said many of these ideas are not hers; they've been done before but she's bringing them together in one package of bills. And I think that really helped focus attention on innovation this session," said House Majority Leader Kirk Caldwell, D-Manoa.

Much of what was in Lingle's package had been before legislators in past session and was dear to the hearts of some lawmakers, said Senate Majority Leader Gary Hooser.

"So, I think in many ways we're on the same track. We want to support the diversification and knowledge-based economy that we all hope will bring the high-paying jobs to our community," said Hooser, D-Kauai-Niihau.

Of course, not many of the Republican governor's original bills made it through. But many of the concepts her bills promoted were reconstituted in bills introduced by majority Democratic lawmakers, who came up with their own innovation measures.

These include a $5 million fund for small Hawaii-based tech businesses and $400,000 for a new center to promote space exploration and settlement.

"Along the way it became very blended," said Rep. Kyle Yamashita, D-Pukalani-Ulupalakua, who leads the House Economic Development and Business Concerns Committee.

Among the ideas from the governor's bills that have survived is the creation of the Hawaii excellence through science and technology academy program to prepare and motivate high schoolers to seek out training for careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

While Lingle sought a wider program, lawmakers instead focused on the three high schools of Kauai for a pilot program at the cost of about $522,000 over the next two fiscal years.

And while Lingle was hoping for about $650,000 more for a new FIRST, or Fostering Inspiration and Relevance through Science and Technology program, in public schools, the program is moving forward, costing about $2.8 million over the next two years.

The FIRST program includes funds for a robotics learning program for students, a research experience program for teachers, an internship program and stipends to persuade those who hold degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to get certified as teachers.

Other bills accepted by lawmakers create a music industry program at the University of Hawaii's Honolulu Community College and require that the employees' retirement system look into investing in Hawaii ventures.

Dead or at least stuck in limbo until next year are a program to attract former residents back to Hawaii, a lifelong learning program and tax credit, and an expansion of the state's Office of International Affairs.

Lingle unveiled her plan in January, surrounded by public and private university officials and business leaders during a press conference a few days before the start of the 2007 legislative session. And the ideas were again presented as the centerpiece of her State of the State speech on Jan. 22.

Lingle said this week that the state got off to a good start this session in changing Hawaii's economy.

Both she and legislators said they'll promote additional measures next year.

"This is something for our state's long-term economic security we have to achieve and that is the complete transformation of our economy away from one that's based on land development as its foundation to one that's based on innovation and new ideas because land is finite and because we need to have more diversity in the economy," Lingle said.

On the Net:

Lingle Innovation Initiative: http://www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/innovation/

Hawaii Legislature: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov