Gov. Linda Lingle (R) • Jan. 22
Continuing efforts she believes will give Hawaii students the opportunity to learn cutting-edge skills, Gov. Lingle announced during her annual address to lawmakers that she wants to establish “creative academies” in the state’s schools. Modeled after the STEM academies (for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) launched last year, the creative academies would allow students to focus on animation, digital media, game development, and writing and publishing. The governor also is proposing a tax deduction of up to $20,000 a year for parents or other family members who are saving for a child’s college education. And she wants to create a Commission on Higher Education, made up of the presidents of the state’s major universities as well as business and community leaders.
