Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 32, Number 1, 1 Ianuali 2015 — OHA trustees laud new governor [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

OHA trustees laud new governor

By Garett Kamemoto l / fi il ynameisDavid l\ / g I \ / I That simple I \ / I introduction I V I from the inauguration speech of Gov. David Ige struck a nerve with many. Ige followed that statement by discussing where his ancestors eame from and how it influenced him. He explained that his issei (first generation) grandparents from Japan had a saying, "Kodomo no tame ni: For the sake of the children" - that they sacrificed to their children could have a better life. He saluted his mother, who was watching his inauguration from a hospital, by saying, "Okage sama de - All that I am, I am because of you." Ige was elected as governor in the November elections and will serve a four-year term. Shan Tsutsui will continue to be lieutenant governor.

The reflections on his culture, and the fabric of the state's culture, struck a nerve with the trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Trustee Carmen Hulu Lindsey attended the inauguration and said, "His speech was very warm, very sincere and I received it very well. I thought he was very humhle and he was sincere about wanting for everybody to participate in solving the existing problems." New Chairman of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Robert Lindsey Jr. served with Ige in the state House of Representatives and called Ige a "man of integrity and fairness." Lindsey said Ige cared not only about his district, but all of Hawai'i's people. He added, "during his eampaign and at this inauguration ... I saw and heard that same integrity, fairness and eoneem for all who eall Hawai'i home. I congratulate him and look forward to a great working

relationship. I mua!" The state Capitol building has been described as a wind tunnel by many. It was an apt description on a blustery day in December when the new governor was sworn in. The winds of change, some said. The ceremony ran ahead of schedule, so mueh so that musician Raiatea Helm was asked to fill some time so the swearing-in of the new governor would be done in accordance with the state Constitution. In his speech, Ige asked for assistance: "I ask you to help me with the heavy lifting that I cannot do alone. Join me in dreaming the dreams, setting the path and doing the hard work necessary for the sake of all of us in Hawai'i. "And so I say to you, my friends, I look forward to working with all of you - to make good things happen." Trustees said they are ready to oblige. ■

Hawai'i Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald administered the oath of office to Gov.-elect David lge as his wife, Dawn, looks on. - Courtesy: Office ofthe Governor