Tomorrow is Day 7 of the 60-day session.

Gov. Linda Lingle gave her annual State of the State address to a joint session of the state House and Senate on Monday, repeating her call to move the state's economy away from what she called land-based development and toward innovation.

Lingle spoke of her two-year $30 million innovation package that promotes science and technology in public schools and state investments in the life sciences, digital media and music. The governor also said the state may purchase 500 acres at Kalaeloa as a place for technology companies or workforce housing, similar to the redevelopment that occurred through the state's efforts in Kaka'ako.

The Republican governor also asked lawmakers to approve $346 million in tax relief, including one-time rebates of $100 or $25 per person, depending on income, to meet a state constitutional requirement for a tax refund this session.

The governor also proposed $150 million in spending to help the homeless, describing her shame at the national media attention the homelessness problem has received.

Democratic leaders agreed with many of Lingle's goals, yet questioned whether her innovation plans are substantial enough to shift the state's economy. Democrats also said that the amount of tax relief will likely depend on the spring state revenue forecast and the cost of public-worker union contracts.

Chief justice's address: State Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald Moon gave his State of the Judiciary address to lawmakers on Wednesday, telling them that the courts need an additional $15.5 million for a scaled-down new Family Court and juvenile detention center in Kapolei.

Lawmakers said they would consider the request but have been concerned about costs of the project, which is scheduled for completion in October 2009.

The chief justice speaks to the Legislature at the start of every other session.

House Republican package: House Republicans on Friday released their package of bills for the session, which echo the governor on tax relief but also include more money and support for charter schools, alternative energy, and transitional housing for the homeless.

One charter school proposal would increase the number of start-up charter schools and provide facilities money for existing charter schools.

House Minority Leader Lynn Finnegan, R-32nd (Lower Pearlridge, 'Aiea, Halawa), said there is room under state law for new conversion charter schools but not for start-ups.

"It's about supporting the charter school movement," she said.

House Democrats offer ethics bill: House Democrats on Friday proposed new steps to rein in misconduct, including the creation of House and Senate ethics' committees, a ban on paid corporate interns, and tighter restrictions on gifts from lobbyists and the public. Democrats would also force former lawmakers to wait two years — instead of one — to come back to the Capitol as a lobbyist.

Former Senate president Robert Bunda, D-22nd (North Shore, Wahiawa), and other lawmakers have floated the idea of House and Senate ethics committees in the past, but House Democrats had taken the position that the state Ethics Commission was the best venue to air complaints.

OVERHEARD

"Everyone is entitled to their opinion, even us politicians."

— State Rep. Marcus Oshiro, D-39th (Wahiawa), chairman of the House Finance Committee, on Lingle's Top 10 list of allegedly inaccurate statements from Democrats, after her State of the State address.