LIHUE — Two local legislators gave good reviews to Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s State of the State speech Tuesday. “I feel that the Governor’s State of the State gave a good snapshot of priorities that the Legislature and the (Abercrombie) administration
LIHUE — Two local legislators gave good reviews to Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s State of the State speech Tuesday.
“I feel that the Governor’s State of the State gave a good snapshot of priorities that the Legislature and the (Abercrombie) administration will be working together to accomplish,” Rep. Derek S.K. Kawakami, D-Wailua-Hanalei, wrote in an email on Tuesday. “After navigating through tough economic times it is time to start reinvesting in necessary services that were cut or put to a halt.”
Kawakami liked the governor’s proposal to increase money for programs for older residents.
“Kupuna Care is a highly anticipated priority that we need to address,” Kawakami said. “Whether it be preventing and combating elderly fraud and abuse to helping them keep more money in their pockets through tax relief, we owe it to our kupuna that they be taken care of. As our senior population continues to grow, this is money well spent.”
Another Kauai legislator was pleased with Abercrombie’s commitment to combat the state’s invasive species, such as fire ants, coffee and coconut beetles, coqui frogs and mongoose.
“I’m encouraged to hear his support in this area, because we need to protect our island from these pests,” Rep. Daynette “Dee” Morikawa, D-Koloa-Niihau, wrote in an email.
“When we have a governor who supports and works with the Legislature, good policy is very possible.”
