Hawaii governor warns state’s budget woes will force ‘fundamental’ changes in government

Hawaii gov: Budget woes may prompt ‘restructuring’

HONOLULU — Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle is warning of a “fundamental restructuring” of state government because of continuing budget woes.

In a Webcast Thursday, the governor said the state may have to decrease payments to social service program beneficiaries and eliminate programs that can effectively be provided by federal or local agencies, or by volunteers.

She says some state offices will be closed and administrative duties will be consolidated.

Lingle says there will be no further cuts for public schools or the University of Hawaii system. But she says she’ll urge educators to find other money to operate nonessential programs.

Lingle also said more layoff notices for state workers are likely in coming months. She provided no additional details.