Governor Ige Travels to New York, Washington D.C.

Governor David Ige. State of Hawai’i Governor’s Office photo.

Governor David Ige is headed to New York, where he will attempt to secure favorable bond ratings. The ratings would allow the state to borrow funds at low interest rates.

Hawai’i is seeking to pursue funding for new capital improvement projects, as well as refinancing opportunities of existing bonds that would potentially save the state between $25 to $30 million.

On Thursday, the governor and Wesley Machida, the Director of Finance, will meet representatives of Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investor Service, and Standard and Poor’s Rating Services.

Governor Ige will travel to Washington D.C. on Friday, where he will participate in the Winter meeting of the National Governors Association. There, he will attend sessions on a range of topics, including economic development and resource management, education, and the workforce.

Meetings with President Barack Obama and his cabinet will also take place during the trip.

During his time in Washington D.C., Governor Ige will meet with federal officials to further his initiatives. Meetings include the following:

Secretary of the Department of Interior Sally Jewel – regarding the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Conservation Congress, which Hawai‘i will be hosting in September

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Gina McCarthy – regarding renewable energy

Director Abigail Hopper, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Department of the Interior – regarding offshore renewable energy opportunities in Hawai‘i

Secretary Julian Castro of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Deputy Secretary Nani Coloretti – regarding homelessness and public housing

First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige, staff members Elizabeth Kim and Ryan Tsuji, and members of the executive security detail will travel with the Governor.

It is estimated that the trip will cost $16,000.

Governor Ige will return to Honolulu on Wednesday, Feb. 24. Until he returns, Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui will serve as acting governor.