Governor Ige Returns from South Korea, Japan

Governor David Ige has returned to Hawai’i following a nine-day trip to Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan. During his trip, the governor participated in a series of business, government, educational, and cultural discussions and exchanges.

In both Japan and Korea, Governor Ige shared his 100 percent renewable energy goals and discussed ways in which the countries could collaborate in achieving those goals and where the government and businesses can participate.

“The relationships between Hawai‘i and South Korea and Hawai‘i and Japan are very important to our state, and we must continue to explore options for partnerships and exchanges as we continually seek new and innovative solutions to critical issues facing our state,” said Governor Ige.

While in South Korea, Governor Ige and First Lady Dawn Ige visited the Korean Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning. The institute is looking to transition South Korea’s economies to clean energy. The trip to South Korea was Governor Ige’s first.

“They are much aware of our 100 percent renewable goal that we have set for ourselves and they want to participate in the research and development side, as well as help solve the energy storage challenges that we must respond to,” Ige said.

During their time in South Korea, the governor and his wife also presented a wreath at the War Memorial of Korea to honor sacrifices in the war made by Hawai’i residents.

At Seoul National University, the pair discussed international student and faculty exchanges with Hawai‘i.

“They see the globalization of communities and see the significant value in sending faculty and students abroad,” Governor Ige said. “Hawai‘i is the obvious choice.”

Governor Ige met with a government and business leaders at the U.S. – Japan Council conference. While in attendance, the governor participated in a panel discussion with five governors from various provinces in Japan, which discussed educational, economic, and cultural exchanges between the two communities.

“As governors, we realize that many of the challenges that face our country can be improved by our relationships at sub-regional levels,” said Governor Ige. “As governors, working together, we can greatly enhance the relationship between Japan and the United States.”