FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 5, 2010

Contact: Laurie Au, 808-589-2237

laurie@neilabercrombie.com

ABERCROMBIE, SCHATZ UNVEIL ‘RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT PLAN’ FOR HAWAII

Plan outlines the implementation of their vision for future of Hawaii

HONOLULU – Neil Abercrombie and Brian Schatz today announced their plan to implement initiatives outlined in their vision for Hawaii’s future.

The implementation plan called, “A New Day in Hawaii: Recovery and Reinvestment Plan,” outlines two phases. First, the Recovery Phase details the immediate steps an Abercrombie/Schatz administration will take to accelerate economic recovery. Second, the Reinvestment Phase prioritizes the investments for long-term economic prosperity.

“Our implementation plan accompanies our vision and direction of ‘A New Day in Hawaii,’ “ Abercrombie said, referring to his comprehensive plan released in August. “Our ‘Recovery and Reinvestment Plan’ explains how we will move on Day One to restore confidence in government. This plan is how I believe government should operate – with clear direction in the face of sober realities.”

Abercrombie said many of the initiatives will be implemented in stages. The plan, created with the input of state budget experts and community members, is based on updated numbers from the Lingle/Aiona administration and the Council on Revenues.

Initiatives to be implemented in the Recovery Phase will cost the state little or no money that help the economy recover and make key structural changes. Larger initiatives put forward in “A New Day in Hawaii” will be implemented in the Reinvestment Phase as revenues become available.

“Our plan does not increase taxes,” Abercrombie said. “We will have to make better use of the revenues that we have while building a more resilient, people-based economy to serve future generations.”

The Recovery Phase (2011) includes:

• An unprecedented effort to maximize every external dollar, including federal stimulus funds, private-public partnerships and federal matching opportunities.

• Restoration of cuts in government functions, including for the agricultural inspection division, Department of Human Services and Department of Land and Natural Resources.

• Structural changes, including streamlining early childhood functions and forming a Governor’s advisory group for Technology and Innovation.

• Development of an independent Hawaii Energy Authority by using revenues from the barrel tax.

• Utilization of the state’s bonding power to fund necessary improvements in information technology systems. An Abercrombie/Schatz administration will also release up to $1 billion of appropriated and authorized funds for infrastructure projects.

The Recovery Phase (2012 to 2014) includes:

• Infrastructure, with a focus on energy grid, information networks, irrigation and transportation.

• Early Childhood to dedicate resources to the early stages of child development that will pay off in helping children reach their full potential.

• Public Education, with a commitment to appropriately fund all public schools.

• University of Hawaii system as a leader and partner in every element of their vision for Hawaii.

• New Economy industries, such as supporting clean energy, agriculture, high-tech, and creative industries.

• Housing, Families and Human Services to help our most challenged families by providing a hands up and out of poverty, isolation and despair approach.

• Healthcare, with an emphasis for government to be proactive about addressing the rising cost of healthcare.

For the full plan, “A New Day in Hawaii: Recovery and Reinvestment,” visit www.neilabercrombie.com.