The first two were killed in January during disturbances in public housing projects, and the third was killed in a Pupukea field. Two other men were injured after being shot by police in a McCully incident and a Makapuu confrontation. Layoffs and job reductions. Residents who lost jobs in the private sector found that traditionally secure government jobs were not readily available. In addition to private companies making work-force cuts, the city, the state and the military also announced that jobs would be eliminated and workers laid off.
Republicans make strong showing in race for governor.
The long-dominant Democrats narrowly retained control of the governor's office during the November election. Republican challenger Linda Lingle, who focused her campaign on economic issues, lost to Gov. Ben Cayetano by 5,000 votes. The marriage amendment passes. After years of emotional discussion, legal battles and a heated political campaign, Hawaii voters overwhelmingly approved an amendment allowing the state Legislature to limit marriage to opposite-sex couples. University of Hawaii scientists clone mice.