David Y. Ige

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige has returned from a nine day trip to Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo Japan, where he participated in a productive series of business, government, educational and cultural discussions and exchanges.

“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 Gov. Ige.

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

SOUTH KOREA:

This was Gov. Ige’s first trip to South Korea at the invitation of the South Korean government. Governor and First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige visited the Korean Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning, which is looking to transition South Korea’s economies to clean energy.

“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.

The Governor and Mrs. Ige also presented a wreath at the War Memorial of Korea to honor Hawai‘i residents who for their sacrifices in the war.

At Seoul National University, the Iges 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. Hawai‘i is the obvious choice,” Ige said.

JAPAN:

Gov. Ige attended the U.S. – Japan Council conference where he met with a number of government and business leaders and took part in a panel discussion with five governors from various provinces in Japan. The discussion focused on expanding educational, economic and cultural exchanges between our communities.

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

Gov. Ige applauded the increase in accessibility to Hawai‘i from Japan and South Korea. Korean airliner Jin Air announced it is adding one flight from South Korea to Hawai‘i five times a week. All Nippon Airlines (ANA) announced it is adding more seat capacity from Japan to Hawai‘i, demonstrating continued growth in Japanese visitors to the islands.

Photos can be found on the governor’s Flickr account.  

Video link to Nov. 13, 2015 news conference: youtu.be/v7aPmHueNcw

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Media Contacts:
Jodi Leong
Deputy Communications Director/Press Secretary
Office of the Governor
Office: 808-586-0043
Mobile: 808-798-3929
[email protected]

Cindy McMillan
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Office: 808-586-0012
Mobile: 808-265-7974
[email protected]