A somber Gov. Linda Lingle listed a series of "challenges" in her seventh State of the State speech to the Legislature. She said she considers herself an optimist and then quoted Winston Churchill: "An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."

The most optimistic aspect of a speech that included a litany of difficulties was a call to look beyond today's financial needs to building "energy independence, increased food self-sufficiency and a 21st century infrastructure" in addition to having a "well-cared-for environment that increases recreational opportunities across the state."

"Today's struggling economy has created a deep hole in our budget that we need to dig out of this session," she said. That means cutting many programs and services, reducing or eliminating "special tax credits, exemptions and deductions" and asking "government employees, like those who work in the private sector, to accept some reduction in wages and benefits."

It may be suggesting something of an oxymoron: Stimulate the economy by spending on needed infrastructure and trim payroll costs, which would reduce some of the cash flow. At any rate, reducing the cost of state employees who are union members will face an uphill battle in the Legislature.

The most laudable of Lingle's goals is changing the state's economy from one being over-reliant on land development to "one that is innovation driven," including alternative energy. Today the state sends $7 billion out of the state for fossil fuel. Another financial drain is importing 85 percent of the state's food. She said cutting that by 10 percent would create more than $300 million in economic activity, generate $6 million in taxes and create 2,300 new jobs.

There were no initiatives in the speech that haven't been made public before, including a new, welcomed emphasis on the environment with the Department of Land and Natural Resources' "Recreational Renaissance."

Gov. Lingle offered just enough possibilities to lighten the state's economic gloom. It will be up to the Legislature to keep the light shining or make it even brighter.

* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.