Gov. Linda Lingle issued the following statement today regarding Hawaiian Telcom's announcement to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

"Today, Hawaiian Telcom announced that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Our Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Consumer Advocate and the Public Utilities Commission has been closely monitoring the company's financial circumstances and correspondingly has been informed of the company's hopes to restructure in an effort to make Hawaiian Telcom financially stronger.

My administration will continue to follow the details of the legal proceedings in the days ahead."