17 Sep 2004

Hawaii governor defends women's commission funding cuts

6:12 am on 17 September 2004

Hawaii's governor is defending huge cuts in the government budget for a women's commission.

A spokesman for the governor says there have been five per cent cuts across the board for all agencies, except those in health, safety and education.

The Commission on the Status of Women had its budget of close to US$100,000 halved.

The cuts will force the state agency to raise funds privately.

The announcement resulted in resignations by a commissioner, Kalei Kanuha, and the executive director, Allicyn Tasaka.

The governor's office says the budget cuts are in line with a six year budget plan.