Special license plates to support Polynesian Voyaging
Posted on May 27, 2021 in Capitol Connection, Featured, Main
PVS President Nainoa Thompson, Sen. Lorraine Inouye, Gov. Ige and Rep. Cedric Gates at the signing ceremony authorizing the special license plate.
Although we can’t all be on board the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s canoe for its next voyage, we can still show our support on the road. Special license plates to help support the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s mission will be available later this summer. Governor Ige signed legislation last month authorizing the issuance of the specialty license plate for $25 in late August.
“The Worldwide Voyage helped us understand the reality of climate change and why it makes sense for Hawai‘i to lead in creating bold goals for clean energy,” the governor said. “We should be proud that Hōkūleʻa has become a global symbol of how traditional indigenous practices can ignite a common kuleana to care for Island Earth.” The Hōkūleʻa began its six-year Mālama Honua worldwide voyage in 2014. The crews visited more than 150 ports in 18 nations to highlight the effects of climate change. PVS president Nainoa Thompson thanked the governor, Sen. Lorraine Inouye and Rep. Cedric Gates for their support of the special license plate and helping to raise awareness of the PVS mission. He said the next voyage — the Moananuiākea Circumnavigation of the Pacific expected to launch May 1, 2022 — is risky, but added, “The higher risk is not to go, to stay home and do nothing when the world is in such trauma. The license plate is a symbol for the crew that Hawai‘i is with them.”