HONOLULU -- With fears swirling around the state over the loss of tourism and unstable economy, Gov. Ben Cayetano tried to put concern to rest.

Cayetano laid out some of the things that have been worked on since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11. He highlighted the meetings he had with county mayors, industry leaders and small business owners.

However, with fewer tourists traveling to the islands, officials are looking at other options.

"Air travel, tourism are very important to us, and so our first reaction was to mostly on the tourist industry. But beyond that, I think that there are some good things as a result of this. We're going to a special session on Oct. 15. We'll be considering special legislation and even a spending program on things that will focus on diversifying the economy," Cayetano said.

He said that the tragedy that has struck the nation has people refocused on what is important. Instead of sports and diet fads, people are keying in on education and the personal welfare of others, Cayetano said.

With airlines and hotels laying off people, Cayetano said that the state will do everything it can to help them, including medical coverage with its MedQuest program for those without medical insurance.

"We're going to extend the coverage. I don't know how long we can do it. We're going to have to dip into the 'rainy day fund' for that," he said.

Univeristy of Hawaii President Evan Dobelle said the school will grant tuition waivers to people who lose their jobs because of the sinking economy.

"We have a responsiblity to be an economic driver for the state of Hawaii. If I have to cutback on our 'savings account' or if we do not fill administrative or nonteaching positions, then that's what we'll do. Our major responsibility is to be a safety net in times of economic difficulty," Dobelle said.

The nonpartisan tone that has filled the state Capitol has impressed Cayetano.

Cayetano remarked that he was impressed when Republican lawmaker Sam Slom called the governor to discuss what can be done together to help the situation.