October 5, 2010 – Hilo, Hawaii

Video by David Corrigan | Voice of Tim Bryan

Big Island Video News caught up with Duke Aiona at a private residence in Panaewa on Monday evening. The Lt. Governor was making the final East Hawaii campaign stop of the day, along with running mate, House Republican Leader Lynn Finnegan.

Earlier that day, the team issued their policy agenda for affordable housing in Hawaii.

Aiona talked about the policy, especially in light of recent news reports that the Hawaii Public Housing Authority has scrapped a 2008 plan to refurbish 6 vacant Lanakila Homes for needy residents.

Aiona also got a flu shot while in Hilo on Monday. The vaccination came days after the news media reported that Aiona had failed to get a shot, despite holding a press conference to urge the residents of the state to be vaccinated.

KITV aired a September 28th interview in which the Lt. Governor said “I am not convinced that vaccines are more beneficial that harmful”.

On Monday, Aiona said the words were taken out of context.

Aiona also gave his thoughts on the closure of Kulani Prison, and the administration’s plans to create a Youth ChalleNGe Academy for at-risk kids age 16 to 19, operated by the Hawaii Army National Guard.

Aiona is facing Democrat Neil Abercrombie in the November general election.

From the Aiona campiagn:

Duke and Lynn Announce Affordable Housing Plan

HONOLULU – Duke Aiona and Lynn Finnegan today issued their policy agenda for affordable housing in Hawai‘i.

“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to live,” said Duke Aiona. “We have a responsibility to encourage the construction of more affordable housing while keeping down the financial burden on our citizens.”

An Aiona-Finnegan Administration will restore state funding that supports affordable housing developments; expedite approvals of affordable housing developments by nonprofits and organizations that excel in building new homes and new communities; accelerate the repair and renovation of public housing for low-income families and seniors; encourage public housing residents to transition to homeownership through rent-to-own and self-sufficiency programs; continue the greatly accelerated momentum of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands in awarding homesteads to Native Hawaiians; and maintain the state’s commitment to shelter those without a place to live and work closely with the counties to fulfill their obligations to the homeless.

As part of the plan, as Governor, Duke Aiona will propose a budget that restores money to the State Rental Housing Trust fund and Dwelling Unit Revolving fund, which will include taking conveyance tax funds that have been diverted and putting them back into housing accounts. He will also work to put into place measures that will keep affordable housing funds from being raided.

He will make sure that state agencies reviewing housing developments make approving these projects a priority. He will also propose legislation to place time limits on the issuance of permits and approvals, which will help acelerate the construction of rental housing and new fee-simple homes.

He will pursue public-private partnerships to reconstruct, upgrade and manage public housing. An Aiona-Finnegan Administration will also extend to public housing residents the successful Homeownership Assistance Program launched by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which helps renters become successful homeowners.

In addition, he will accelerate the annual cash payment received by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, providing $60 million in funding for fiscal year 2012 to expedite the reunification of more Hawaiian families with their own land. And he will draw upon his experiences working with those who provide substance abuse and mental health counseling to ensure that those who are homeless receive treatment and do not have to live on the streets.

The full plan can be accessed online at www.AionaFinnegan.com. Click here for a direct link to the plan.

Duke and Lynn have already issued their policy agendas for jobs and the economy, education, energy, transportation, health care, agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Also issued on Monday:

Duke Gets Flu Shot

Duke Aiona today issued the following statement in response to an email sent recently by supporters of his opponent’s campaign.

“My comments about flu vaccine have been taken out of context and misconstrued by members of the media as well as supporters of my opponent’s campaign.

“I’ve talked with many health care professionals and reviewed the benefits and risks of flu vaccinations. I just got my flu shot.

“Flu vaccinations are an important part of a healthy lifestyle – especially for our keiki and kupuna.

“I don’t have any philosophical opposition to vaccinations, and as a child, I received all of my vaccinations.

“I have always been supportive of our voluntary Stop Flu at School flu vaccination program.

“It’s important for our citizens to have accurate information, and make a personal choice. We all do.”

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