GOVERNOR LINGLE'S COMMITMENT TO EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS HIGHLIGHTED IN SPECIAL CAMPAIGN MESSAGE DURING KITV'S "WHEN DISASTER STRIKES: 2012 HURRICANE SEASON"

News Release from www.Lingle2012.com

HONOLULU - Campaign Manager Bob Lee today highlighted former Governor and current candidate for Hawaii's open U.S. Senate seat Linda Lingle's commitment to emergency preparedness in two special campaign messages during KITV's "When Disaster Strikes: 2012 Hurricane Season." Bob Lee, former State Adjutant General and head of Hawaii's Civil Defense, spoke of the Governor's long-standing commitment to putting Hawaii's people first, seen clearly through her unwavering commitment to public safety.

"As Mayor of Maui during Hurricane Iniki, Linda Lingle was acutely aware of the need for the State of Hawaii to have a comprehensive civil defense system in place to quickly and effectively respond in the event of a natural disaster. A key component of responsiveness is the ability to communicate emergency information at a moment's notice," said Campaign Manager Bob Lee.

"Governor Lingle's commitment to the people of Hawaii guided her decision to make the protection and safety of the people of Hawaii her number one priority. As many of you recall, when a 6.7 magnitude earthquake hit the Big Island in 2006, she was in the heart of the disaster in Kailua-Kona to provide hands-on assistance and guidance to the well-prepared emergency response team," said Bob Lee. "Time and again Governor Lingle provided this same steady, 'on the ground' leadership during other natural disasters. Her proven, common sense leadership would serve us well in Washington, D.C.," Bob Lee added.

Following the 2006 earthquake, Governor Lingle continued to prioritize effective communications during civil defense emergencies by convening the Comprehensive Emergency Communications Review Committee. The Committee was the first step toward establishing a dedicated media center to facilitate statewide emergency communications. The resulting State Media Center is located alongside the State Logistics Center in Diamond Head Crater and is the central location from which emergency communications can be disseminated statewide to the media and the people of Hawaii.

With a concerted focus on preparation, Governor Lingle increased the number of statewide hurricane shelters to 239, including retrofitting 169 shelters for special needs families. She also provided for 58 pet-friendly shelters across the state, the first of their kind in Hawaii.

"For eight years, Governor Lingle and I were committed to ensuring the people of Hawaii would be safe if and when we were faced with a natural disaster," added Bob Lee. "These campaign messages are intended to encourage the people of Hawaii, their 'ohana and their friends to plan, prepare and remember the resources that are available if a natural disaster strikes."

The special airs on KITV tonight at 6:30p.m. and will re-air on Sunday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m.

To view the video online or for more information, please visit: lingle2012.com.

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