HONOLULU -- Gov. Linda Lingle's plan to furlough public workers is a good approach, former Gov. Ben Cayetano told KITV on Wednesday

Cayetano had to face his own $730 million deficit in the mid-90s. Cayetano said Lingle criticized the cost savings he made then, but now she is doing some of the same things herself, such as shifting payments of bills to the next fiscal year.

"I think she has learned some lessons," Cayetano said.

Lingle said the state faces a $730 million shortfall by June 30, 2011.

Cayetano said Lingle's plan to furlough public workers three days a month is a definite option.

"State workers should be glad that they have a job, and it is better to keep as many people on the state payroll even though you cut back their hours because they will have medical coverage health insurance, which is important for the family," he said.

However, Cayetano said he thinks the governor could make other budget cuts before imposing furloughs. He said she should take money from the state's hurricane relief fund that has millions of dollars.

Lingle could also save at least $60 million a year by doing away with the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Cayetano said. The former governor created the agency, but he said it is not effective.

Cayetano said he would also take money from the rail transit fund.

If those cuts did not save enough money, furloughs would then be worth looking at seriously, he said.