Gov. Travels to Asia to Promote Important Issues

Gov. David Ige, image and graphics by Wendy Osher.

Gov. David Ige is traveling to China and Japan to attract business and investment and to promote educational partnerships, international student exchanges and renewable energy cooperation.

Gov.  Ige is traveling to the Okinawa Prefecture in Japan and Guangdong Province in China between Oct. 6 and 14 to also recognize the 30th anniversary of the state’s sister-state relationship with the areas.

The state recognizes that Hawai‘i’s prosperity and security are intertwined with the Asia-Pacific region and it must rebalance its resources and investments toward Asia with an emphasis on economic development, energy cooperation, youth and education, the governor’s office stated in a recent press release.

The governor and First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige will participate in various ceremonies and events marking the 30th anniversary of Hawai‘i’s sister-state relationships with Okinawa and Guangdong Province, which are vital to the Aloha State economically, politically and culturally.

“We want to honor Hawai‘i’s 30-year relationship with both Okinawa Prefecture and Guangdong Province,” said Gov. Ige. “Okinawa and Guangdong have had strong historical ties with Hawai‘i and have established many connections in business, cultural and educational exchanges with the Hawaiian Islands. Our presence, bolstered by a strong Hawai‘i delegation, serves to reaffirm our relationships with Okinawa and Guangdong with plans to further strengthen our partnership in new and innovative ways.”

In addition, the governor is scheduled to visit energy and technology facilities and meet with government officials, and businesses and community leaders to discuss future projects based on Hawai‘i’s 100 percent renewable energy goal.

The governor also intends to discuss travel expansion to the islands for conventions, meetings and incentive travel.

Gov. Ige and Mrs. Ige are also scheduled to visit universities, high schools and vocational schools in Okinawa and Guangzhou, Guandong Province, where they will meet with administrators, educators and students to explore options for expanding international student exchange to Hawai‘i.

Student exchanges foster global understanding and tolerance, and positively impact the economy; international students contributed an estimated $205.1 million to Hawai‘i’s economy in 2015.

Gov. and Mrs. Ige are traveling as part of a mission led by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Also traveling with the governor is Executive Services Assistant Scott Tome.

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui will serve as Acting Governor while Gov. Ige is out of the state.

The estimated cost of this trip is $8,870.99.