Governor Ige Returns from National Governors Meeting in Washington DC

By Maui Now Staff

Governor David Ige participated in meetings with various federal officials and business leaders during the National Governors Association Winter Meeting in Washington, DC last week.

“Meeting with the other governors was a valuable experience,” said Governor Ige in a press release statement. “We were able to discuss issues affecting the states and share best practices that lead to innovative solutions.”

Governor Ige was part of a panel discussion on Homeland Security and Public Safety where the focus was on Congressional action related to funding the Department of Homeland Security.

“Funding for the Department of Homeland Security was a priority for all of the governors,” said Ige. “If the funding is not approved, much of the work will continue at great personal cost to the front-line personnel would have to report for duty without being paid. In addition, a lapse in funding will have a real impact on FEMA’s ability to ensure that a wide range of emergency personnel have the resources they need to do their jobs and keep our communities safer and more secure.”

Ige participated in two formal working sessions with President Obama.  “Visiting the White House and meeting with President Obama, not once but several times, was a highlight,” said Ige. “It was an honor and a privilege to be part of the Oval Office signing ceremony designating the Honouliuli Camp a National Historic Monument.”

While at the nation’s capitol, Ige also participated in a signing ceremony with members of Hawaiʻi’s Congressional Delegation and representatives of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi and the Japanese American Citizens League.

Western Governors Association. Photo credit: Hawaiʻi Office of the Governor.

Western Governors Association. Photo credit: NGA.

Western Governors Association. Photo credit: NGA.

Western Governors Association. Photo credit: USEPA Photo by Eric Vance.

Western Governors Association. Photo credit: USEPA Photo by Eric Vance.