Ige to deliver State of the State on much firmer political footing than in 2018

 Gov. David Ige will deliver his fifth State of the State address on Tuesday, focusing on the key priorities of his second term — and touting the accomplishments of his first.

According to the governor’s office, Ige is set to discuss his plans for early childhood education, affordable housing, and the hotel room tax. Further details weren’t immediately released.

Ige is delivering the address in a dramatically different position than he was just a year ago.

His 2018 State of the State came about a week after the false missile alert, and he was facing mounting questions about his leadership.

Several political onlookers described that address as a missed opportunity to reassure the state and demonstrate to lawmakers that he could do better.

But in August, Ige survived a Democratic primary challenge from former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. And in November, he handily bested Republican opponent Andria Tupola.

So Tuesday’s State of the State is likely to showcase a much more confident governor.

Ige offered a preview of his 2019 State of the State in December, after being sworn into a second term. He touched on his plans for public education, the environment and the economy.

And he ended his speech with a swipe against President Trump, saying the White House is taking the nation in a “troubling” direction.

“These are exciting times full of wonderful changes and great opportunities. But they are also dangerous times — not just for Hawaii, but for our nation and the principles upon which this country was founded,” Ige said.

The governor’s State of the State address begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the state House chambers.

Hawaii News Now will livestream the speech, and it will also be aired on KFVE.

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