Ige ‘race to the finish’ with to-do list for final weeks in office

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Governor David Ige says he has a sense of urgency as he tries to finish last-minute business in his final 48 days in office.

In a one-on-one interview at Washington Place on Tuesday, Ige told Hawaii News Now he has a lot on his to-do list over the next seven weeks.

“We race to the finish,” said Ige. “It seems like every week it’s accelerating faster and faster until December 5th.”

In the latest controversy, Ige is trying to secure agreement on a traditional construction model for a $350 million stadium in Halawa instead of a public-private partnership.

“The University of Hawaii needs the commitment of a new stadium to maintain Division 1 status,” Ige said.

His administration is also trying to finalize a proposed deal on a $35 million Hawaii Tourism Authority marketing contract between the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.

“We want to make sure that we can perform and award a contract in a manner that complies with the law,” Ige said.

Both projects would have impacts in Hawaii for years to come.

Hawaii News Now asked why its administration is in a rush when a new governor takes over the projects.

“We are certainly committed to working every day until December 5 to serve people and the public,” Ige said.

Ige says he’s not worried about Lt. Gov. Josh Green, who is the frontrunner in the gubernatorial race, suddenly changing course on the stadium or tourism marketing projects.

His administration must finish releasing $300 rebate checks that have been delayed due to supply chain issues and he is working on increases for nearly 9,000 veteran teachers. Payments are expected next month.

“Ensuring we can pay teachers what they really deserve,” Ige said.

The next governor will be sworn in on December 5 at noon.

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