Lt. Governor Tsutsui Highlights: Education, Environment, Trade

By Maui Now Staff

Hawaiʻi outbid eight other cities to host the World Conservation Congress in 2016, according to Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui of Maui.  The item was among several highlights that Lt. Gov. Tsutsui included in a newsletter which detailed administrative updates on education, the environment and a recent trade mission to the Philippines.

According to the Lt. Governor, the International Union for Conservation of Nature will hold the World Conservation Congress in the US for the first time since its founding in 1948.  Hawai‘i is expected to host more than 8,000 international leaders from government, non-governmental organizations, businesses, United Nations agencies and social organizations to discuss, debate, and decide solutions for their respective communities’ most pressing environmental and developmental issues.

Schools Receive Equipment for After-School Programs

Lt. Gov. Tsutsui announced progress in the R.E.A.C.H. (Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture and Health) initiative he launched in March 2013 to enhance and expand after-school programs for middle/intermediate school students. As part of the program, he presented sports equipment to Washington Middle and Waialua High & Intermediate schools for their after school programs.  Funds for the donation were provided by R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaiʻi and the National Football League Foundation.

The program also received a donation from DeBartolo Development and Hawaiʻi Business magazine for continued development of after school programs.

Barack Obama Presidential Center

The Barack Obama Foundation is expected to announce the location of President Obama’s future presidential library next month.  The development of Hawaiʻi’s response to the Foundation’s Request for Proposal was accomplished through the collaborative effort of Lt. Governor Tsutsui, the Hawaiʻi Presidential Center, UH and the City & County of Honolulu. The University of Illinois at Chicago, New York’s Columbia University as well as UH are competing for the library.

Sports Initiative Continues to Develop

Lt. Gov. Tsutsui continues discussions on the direction of the state’s Sports Development Initiative.  He is currently evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of sports facilities across the state, including the Aloha Stadium.  As part of the initiative, he presented ESPN, including Maui’s own Kanoa Leahey, with a proclamation declaring March 24th as ESPN Day.

Milken Educator Award Recipient is from Mililani Uka Elementary

Lt. Gov. Tsutsui helped with the surprise announcement for the 2015 Milken Educator Award, which was issued to  Jana Fukada, a Mililani Uka Elementary school teacher.  The award recognized Fukada for her outstanding excellence in education and came with a $25,000 cash prize.

Lt. Governor Celebrates Read Across America
As part of Read Across America and Dr. Seuss’ birthday, Lt. Gov. Tsutsui read a short story by local author and Maui resident George Kahumoku, Jr., to fourth and fifth graders at Maemae Elementary School in Nuʻuanu on Oʻahu.

Trade Mission to the Philippines

Lt. Gov. Tsutsui returned from a trade mission to the Philippines.  The goal of the mission was to increase business activity by promoting Hawaiʻi as an investment and tourism destination.  The group also worked to encourage trade and economic activities across the Pacific region.

Lt. Governor Details International Sustainability Opportunity for US. Photo courtesy Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui.

Schools Receive Equipment for After-School Programs. Photo courtesy Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui.

Schools Receive Equipment for After-School Programs. Photo courtesy Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui.

R.E.A.C.H Garners Community Partnerships. Photo courtesy Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui.

Barack Obama Presidential Center Update. Photo courtesy Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui.

Sports Initiative Continues to Develop. Photo courtesy Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui.

Sports Initiative Continues to Develop. Photo courtesy Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui.

Milken Educator Award Recipient is from Mililani Uka Elementary. Photo courtesy Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui.

Milken Educator Award Recipient is from Mililani Uka Elementary. Photo courtesy Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui.

Lt. Governor Celebrates Read Across America. Photo courtesy Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui.

Lt. Governor Celebrates Read Across America. Photo courtesy Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui.

Lt. Governor Leads Trade Mission. Photo courtesy Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui.

Lt. Governor Leads Trade Mission. Photo courtesy Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui.

Lt. Governor Leads Trade Mission. Photo courtesy Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui.

Lt. Governor Leads Trade Mission. Photo courtesy Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui.