HONOLULU — Hawaii Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona says the state is within reach of eliminating next year's 17 scheduled teacher furlough days.

Aiona said in a statement Tuesday that the state has the resources to find a solution now that the Legislature has appropriated $67 million and teachers have agreed to return to class on six noninstructional days.

The state, Board of Education and Hawaii State Teachers Association still haven't agreed on a way to end next year's furlough days.

But Aiona believes everyone can come together and compromise.

Gov. Linda Lingle has said she would spend $57 million on next year's furlough days, leaving the state $10 million short of the amount sought under a deal between the Board of Education and teachers union.