During this special time of year, when gatherings with friends and loved ones fill our evenings and weekends, it is a comfort to see the strong feelings that family inspires in Hawaii's people. Our notion of ohana is broad and diverse and includes all those to whom we are connected, whether by blood, as hanai relatives, close friends, or Hawaii's brave soldiers fighting overseas on our behalf. This powerful bond will prove essential throughout the New Year as we work together to establish a more secure future for our families and our state.

In terms of our economy, this is perhaps one of the most unusual holiday seasons in recent memory. Though Hawaii has weathered economic challenges before, this time the implications are more pervasive, as states across the nation and countries around the world brace for what could be a “;long winter.”;

Locally, the effects of current economic conditions are being felt by all of us in one form or another, whether as individuals, families, nonprofits, businesses, labor unions or government. Recent layoffs have hit some of our neighbors particularly hard, putting their very ability to support their families at risk. With so much at stake, we must put differences aside and come together to help one another, especially our residents in need. In times of adversity, the people of Hawaii have always come together as one. I am confident the challenges before us will strengthen our resolve to ensure we all move forward together.

  Examples of collaboration are already present throughout our state. Last week, I attended the blessings of Kumuhonua and Ulu Ke Kukui - the final two transitional housing projects to open under an emergency proclamation I issued for the Leeward Coast in 2006. These two collaborative efforts have given formerly homeless residents a precious gift this holiday season - hope for a better future.

Throughout our more than two-year effort to address homelessness, the state has had the incredible support of developers, contractors, community partners, social service providers and the military. They have opened their hearts and arms wide to show compassion and aloha for Hawaii's neediest residents, and I am grateful for their partnership.

Moving forward, the people of Hawaii have my administration's total commitment to do everything in our power to minimize the impact of the national and international economic crisis on our community, and to position our economy for expanded growth in the future. The collaborative spirit that has aided our homelessness initiatives is also the cornerstone of the five-point economic action plan we are implementing to strengthen our economy and preserve and create jobs. This includes a $1.8 billion public infrastructure improvement initiative that will help our residents in construction and related industries get back to work. This initiative has the full support of mayors, legislators, construction industry executives and labor leaders. Only through this unprecedented level of collaboration will we be able to deliver a significant boost to our economy and improve the standard of living for Hawaii's residents.

  There is a bright side to the challenges we now face as a state, and that is the opportunities they have provided for those of us on different sides of the political aisle and from the public, private and nonprofit sectors to work together. Every Hawaii resident has something important to contribute in this collaborative effort. I encourage everyone to apply the ohana spirit that is unique to our island home to their personal, community and professional lives during the holiday season and throughout the New Year. Through a collective sense of responsibility for the well-being of our neighbors, communities and state, we will ensure that the holidays are brighter for many of our struggling families and that our economy and our state remain strong in the years that follow.

Happy holidays and best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year. Mele Kalikimaka a me ka Hauoli Makahiki Hou!