Gov. Linda Lingle. - Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom

State of the State
Governor proposes state partnership for
public land purchase on North Shore

By Liza Simon / OHA Public Affairs Specialist

In her sixth State of the State address, Gov. Linda Lingle urged residents to adopt “Native Hawaiian cultural values of aloha 'āina and respect for the ocean” in order to help preserve an attractive lifestyle that is identified with Hawai'i.

Citing a need to change the base of the state's economy from a narrow focus on land development, she announced her intention to push for the state to purchase the 850-acre Turtle Bay property on O'ahu's North Shore to halt further resort development. This proposal has been inspired by recent successful efforts to preserve lands by keeping them in public hands, Lingle said at the Jan. 22 speech at the state Capitol.

Rich cultural site of Waimea Valley now under OHA. - Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom

While she made no mention of OHA, Lingle said one example of successful public land preservation is Waimea Valley. Once proposed for luxury development, Waimea Valley is now managed by OHA following a collaborative purchase agreement involving the city, OHA, the U.S. Army, State Department of Land and Hawai'i Natural Resources and National Audubon Society.

Lingle conceded that her proposal for Turtle Bay, which includes the formation of a working group, might face opposition by lawmakers concerned about a predicted slowing of growth in the state's economy.

In January, the State Council on Revenues adjusted downward by $59 million projections for the general fund tax revenues available through fiscal 2009. Despite this, Lingle sounded the theme of “long-term” solutions in saying that the public acquisition of Turtle Bay would benefit the next generation in Hawai'i. “It is as certain as night follows day that we cannot speculate or sell ourselves into prosperity,” Lingle said.