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Linda Lingle was one of the first elected officials to recognize how the world is rapidly changing because of technology, innovation and globalization. She has led an ongoing effort in Hawai‘i to meet the unique challenges and capitalize on new opportunities during this pivotal time in our country's history.

Lingle's Administration is improving Hawai‘i residents' unique quality of life and protecting the state's natural resources by reducing the economy's over-dependence on land development. To achieve these goals, she launched the Hawai‘i Innovation Initiative to develop the capacity of residents and businesses to innovate. This will enable the state to compete in the global economy of the 21^st century and create new, higher-paying jobs.

In moving Hawai‘i forward, Lingle mandates that state government lead by example, particularly with renewable energy and fiscal accountability. She highlighted in her 2008 State of the State Address that residents must take personal responsibility for building a better Hawai‘i by finding ways to contribute through their professional and personal lives.

Lingle's 2008 legislative goals include achieving greater energy independence, offering targeted tax relief, increasing Hawai‘i's homegrown food supply and security, focusing on workforce development, expanding quality health care, creating more affordable housing, modernizing the transportation infrastructure, and bolstering public safety and disaster preparedness.

Lingle took office on December 2, 2002, committed to bringing about a “New Beginning” for Hawai‘i by making state government more transparent, responsive and accountable. Her success at accomplishing these goals led to re-election for a second four-year term in November 2006 by the largest margin of victory in any gubernatorial race in state history.

Lingle is the first Republican to lead the Aloha State in more than 40 years. She is also the first former mayor, first woman, first neighbor island resident and first person of Jewish ancestry to hold the position. In 2005, she was awarded the Diversity Best Practices Award for Leadership in Government – the first such award for a state's chief executive.

She first served the people of Hawai‘i from 1980 to 1990 as a member of the Maui County Council, including six years representing the island of Moloka‘i. In 1990, she was elected Mayor of Maui County and served two four-year terms.

Lingle is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. She moved to Hawai‘i in 1975 after graduating cum laude with a journalism degree from California State University, Northridge. In 1976, she founded and served as editor and publisher of the Moloka‘i Free Press.