MEDIA RELEASE

Standing with Hawaii small business owners, Duke Aiona unveiled his policy agenda for jobs and the economy Wednesday, Aug. 18. His plan focuses on cultivating a business-friendly environment that creates job opportunities and keeps Hawaii open for business.

“Government doesn’t create the jobs that fuel our economy over the long term, but as Governor, I will make it easier for those who do,” Aiona said. “My most important job will be jobs.”

Aiona shaped the plan with the input of more than 120 small business owners he met with over 100 days to spark job growth now and build a vibrant local economy for a brighter future.

“Duke is the only candidate who has taken notice of Hawaii’s small businesses and their ability to create jobs,” said Steve Ellis, owner of Cholo’s Homestyle Mexican Restaurant in Haleiwa. “He understands that removing the barriers that impede the growth of our businesses will not only help us, but will also strengthen Hawaii’s economy.”

As Governor, Aiona will:

* Accelerate the creation of job opportunities;
* Minimize government-created delays and uncertainty for businesses;
* Modernize airports, harbors, highways and communication links;
* Increase Hawaii’s tourism marketing and outreach to emerging markets;
* Invest in naturally competitive industries;
* Attract foreign investment, especially from the Asia-Pacific region;
* Create a globally competitive tax system;
* Invest in Hawaii’s human capital;
* Continue Hawaii’s progress toward a clean energy future; and
* Manage government like a business.

He will propose legislation to place time limits on the issuance of permits and approvals that will increase efficiency and effectiveness in state government. If a permit or approval is not issued within the allotted time period, the application will be automatically granted.

He will post online all updated permitting and approval guidelines and procedures, create an online tracking system, put all state permits and leases online in a searchable database and subject all tax credits and public grants to public quarterly reporting.

He will expedite contracts for approximately $946 million in approved state capital works projects over the next 18 months, and continue to modernize airports, harbors and highways.

He will support start-up companies in naturally competitive industries by proposing legislation to establish a government-backed and funded venture capital fund-of-funds. And he will work to expand science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education opportunities to all schools by 2012.

As Governor, Aiona will create a competitive tax system based on transparency, efficiency and fairness. After successfully closing tax loopholes, he will review the feasibility of eliminating or reducing the corporate and individual income tax marginal rates.

Aiona’s plan in full: www.dukeaiona.com/future/jobs?1=1&_c=z2i92k47jl9jpw&_ce=1282201621.9fe38fa93b7c98ab4aef61b41b5eda8d&_c=z2i92k47jl9jpw