Gov. Linda Lingle today told Hawaii residents that the swine flu outbreak was cause for concern but not alarm in the Islands.

Lingle spoke at a news conference, along with state adjutant general Maj. Gen. Robert Lee; Dr. Chiyome Fukino, director of the state Department of Health; and state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park.

Like government officials across the country, they urged residents to remain calm since the outbreak at this point was considered mild in the U.S. and no restrictions on travel have been instituted.

Lee said there was no reason for the state to declare an emergency.

Fukino said the outbreak should be seen as an opportunity for Island families to prepare for how they would cope in the event of a pandemic.