Lingle to join governors for Washington meeting

Gov. Linda Lingle will be attending the National Governors Association's annual winter meeting this week in Washington, the governor's office announced.

The focus of the meeting is "Innovation America," which Lingle said complements her administration's "Hawaii Innovation Initiative."

"This year's National Governors Association conference will provide a good opportunity to exchange ideas and seek partnerships with other states, federal officials, private businesses, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills leaders, and national educational institutions that will help us further advance the Hawaii Innovation Initiative and ultimately raise the standard of living for all our residents," Lingle said.

Other major topics to be addressed during the gathering included regional economic growth, early childhood education, energy investments and identify theft.

The governors were to meet with President Bush at the White House to discuss the No Child Left Behind law and other issues.

Lingle also was slated to meet with a number of federal officials on issues including the future of Kalaeloa and collaborative efforts relating to Hawaii's prison system.

Lingle was scheduled to arrive in Washington Wednesday and will return to Honolulu on Feb. 27.