Hawaii Governor Josh Green yesterday delivered his second annual ‘State of the State‘ address. The theme was “Coming Together to Heal,” addressing the aftermath of the deadly Maui wildfires, but Gov. Green also laid out his broader policy priorities for 2024.
The word “technology” or “tech” was not mentioned in the nearly 5,000-word speech, although renewable energy and sustainable agriculture were called out as priorities. In contrast, his first address in 2023 did reference “green technology.”
The governor ran through “other important opportunities for our state which will help diversify our economy”—they included Aloha Stadium development, the film industry, the search for a new UH president, and “an open travel corridor” with Japan (which isn’t exactly diversified from tourism).
“We will invest in sustainable agriculture to have more food security for our state and we’re prioritizing energy research and development, with the goal of becoming a hydrogen hub someday in the future,” he added.
As usual, Hawaii’s high cost of living was a theme.
“We must find additional ways to reduce the cost of housing, food, and healthcare, and make Hawaiʻi more affordable for our people,” Gov. Green said. “Despite working multiple jobs — more are living paycheck to paycheck than before the pandemic.”
His address did not mention workforce development or training, remote work, STEM education, artificial intelligence, or cryptocurrency.
Images: Office of the Governor.