HILO, Hawaii — Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi says state budget cuts could have very serious and negative repercussions on Big Island working families and farmers.

The Lingle administration is closing the Kulani Correctional Center in an effort to help balance the state budget. That means the loss of 76 jobs at the only prison on the Big Island.
Layoff notices have also gone out to all be one of the 14 state agricultural inspectors on the island.
A public meeting held this week to discuss the situation drew State Board of Agriculture Chairwoman Sandra Kunimoto and Public Safety Director Clayton Frank. Senate President Colleen Hanabusa and other state lawmakers were also on hand.
Hanabusa said legislators don’t have “a silver bullet” to cure the budget woes.