Governor Ige Heads to Japan and China

Governor David Ige headed to Asia Tuesday. The estimated $8,870.99 trip will take him to Okinawa Prefecture in Japan and Guangdong Province in China. He will be in the region through Oct. 14.

The Office of the Governor said that the state recognizes that Hawai’i’s prosperity and security are intertwined with the Asia-Pacific region and it must re-balance its resources and investments toward Asia with an emphasis on economic development, energy cooperation, youth, and education.

During the trip, Governor Ige will recognize the 30^th anniversary of the sister-state relationship with Okinawa Prefecture and Guangdong Province, promote renewable energy cooperation, business and investment attraction, and promote educational partnerships and international student exchanges between Hawai’i, Okinawa, and Guangdong Province.

Various ceremonies and events will also be attended by the governor and First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige, marking the 30^th anniversary of Hawai’i’s sister-state relationships with Okinawa and Guangdong Province.

“We want to honor Hawai‘i’s 30-year relationship with both Okinawa Prefecture and Guangdong Province. 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,” said Governor Ige. “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.”

The Governor will also visit various energy and technology facilities and meet with government officials, business, and community leaders to discuss future projects based on Hawai’i’s 100 percent renewable energy goal and expand travel to the islands for conventions, meetings, and incentive travel.

Also on the schedule, Governor Ige and First Lady Amano-Ige will 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 in Hawai’i. According to the governor’s office, international students will contribute about $205.1 million to Hawai’i’s economy in 2015.

The governor and his wife are traveling as part of a mission led by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Scott Tome, Executive Services Assistant, is also traveling with the governor.

While Governor Ige is out of state, Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui will serve as acting Governor.