Senate Majority Caucus

“Thank you Governor Lingle. On behalf of Speaker Say, the legislature, and more importantly the people of the state of Hawaii, we thank you for your public service.

My colleagues and I have all commented on the fact that this will be the most difficult legislative session that we will all face, many of us, probably, for our whole legislative careers. This is a time when we must work collaboratively. And for the people of the state of Hawaii, collaboratively doesn’t mean that we will always agree. Debate is good. Discussion is good. And we know, Governor, that we have had many of those over these years.

But what that means for everyone is that we will leave no stone unturned. That is what we must do to meet this challenge. And I know that the legislature, the Governor, and her cabinet, we’re all up to it, because we must be, for you, the people of the state of Hawaii.

I do want to say something that has never been emphasized, and in the honoring of Coach Shoji the Governor didn’t mention it, but I think it is also very important that in Governor Lingle we saw the first woman governor of the state of Hawaii. And as we heard the stories of Coach Shoji’s amazing career, we have spent all these years thinking as a girl, “We’re better than the boys; look at all the things he wins.” And as I look up at the robotics team and see so many young girls, remember, remember in the future, that you saw the first woman governor of the state of Hawaii. And we all owe you, Governor, a debt of gratitude for that. Because that propels girls and women ahead.

So on that note, Governor, again, on behalf of all of us, we thank you. We look forward to working collaboratively with you in this last year.

And now, I declare this joint session adjourned.”

by Senate President Colleen Hanabusa
District 21

The Capitol is quiet today. The crowds and celebrations that typically accompany an opening day of the Hawaii State Legislature are absent. Because while we still welcome with open arms anyone who wants to ask for our help or express their point of view, we know that this session will be different. Now is not the time to celebrate. Now is the time to work.

We face unprecedented challenges in our homes, in our communities, and in this Capitol. For our neighbors, friends and families, for the people who supported us, elected us, and entrusted their future to us, the question is often one of survival. How will they cope with an economic outlook that has continued to worsen, and a recovery that seems to forever sit at the farthest horizon?

For those of us in this chamber, the question is how we will make a difference in this, the most difficult session we are likely to see in our legislative careers.

How will we lay the foundation or our state’s success while confronting the inescapable reality that we must trim expenses and balance our budget again, while continuing to serve those in our community who truly rely on our assistance?

And, perhaps more importantly, how will we in state government regain the confidence of our community? How will we demonstrate that we are up to this task, that we can make a difference, that we will provide the vision and leadership that it will take to provide the promising tomorrow that everyone wants, and everyone should have a right to expect?

If ever there was a moment when we must rise to meet the challenge, now is the time.

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Regarding the Opening Day of the 2010 Legislative Session:

Many challenges confront our State as we find ourselves in the grip of a severe economic crisis requiring significant sacrifice from families, individuals, and businesses across our community. This year, with so much at stake, and with so much work needing to be done, the House and the Senate have decided to refrain from its customary activities and ceremony in order to get straight down to business from the very start.

There will be no entertainment, no flowers, no festivities or subsequent receptions, as has been the tradition in years past. Speeches will be abbreviated, and instead of being platforms for caucus agendas, will be focused on the joint effort required of us all, working together. Committee Chairs will use the additional time to hold hearings and informational briefings focused on the most pressing issues facing our State: the economy, education, health care, and public safety.

As in the case for our daily floor sessions, seating in the Chamber gallery for the public will be available on a first come, first served basis. However, again, we intend for the 2010 Opening Day floor session to be conducted as strictly business with no ceremony whatsoever.

Further, in years past we have been fortunate recipients of generous gifts of Aloha or well wishes. This year, we ask that in lieu of giving gifts, if you still feel compelled to give anything, please donate funds to your favorite charity, to help mitigate some of the hardship that these economic struggles have caused.

Read the full 2010 Opening Day Memo.