It is with bright optimism for the future that we wish all Hawai‘i residents and visitors a joyous and relaxing holiday season. We hope that during this special time of year, you are able to enjoy time with your family
It is with bright optimism for the future that we wish all Hawai‘i residents and visitors a joyous and relaxing holiday season. We hope that during this special time of year, you are able to enjoy time with your family and friends, and reflect on how fortunate we are to live in the most special place on Earth.
In Hawai‘i, we are privileged to have a host culture where ‘ohana encompasses not just one’s immediate family, but the larger community of friends, neighbors and colleagues around us.
Throughout 2007, the people of Hawai‘i demonstrated a remarkable commitment to helping others. Whether sending care packages to our Hawai‘i-based soldiers fighting overseas, collecting food for the hungry or homeless, or donating toys so every child receives a gift during the holidays, our residents continue to show their aloha for each other every day. For this we are truly blessed.
During the holiday season, our desire to take care of our fellow residents is at its strongest. This is when we see even more individuals, community groups, churches and temples in Hawai‘i generously help those in need, including our homeless residents.
For those members of our ‘ohana unable to afford housing, three new shelters have been opened on O‘ahu that have helped hundreds of people successfully transition into permanent housing, while two new shelters opened on Kaua‘i. The community has also stepped forward in extraordinary ways, donating meals, clothing and necessities.
We also united in celebrating the tremendous success of the University of Hawai‘i Warriors Football team as they head to their first BCS game on New Year’s Day. Their focus, perseverance and unity of purpose led to the accomplishment of an incredible goal and inspired Hawai‘i residents across the state.
This holiday season, we are especially grateful for the men and women serving in the military who, together with their families, sacrifice so much to secure a better life for people worldwide. We pray for the continued safety of those deployed. We also express our deepest sympathies to the families of members of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice this year in defense of our freedom.
As we celebrate the holidays and look forward to the opportunities in the new year ahead, we wish you and your family peace, good health and happiness.
Mele Kalikimaka a me ka Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou!
Linda Lingle
Governor, State of Hawai‘i
James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr.,
Lieutenant Governor, State of Hawai‘i
