Gov. Ige heads on trip to Asia

HONOLULU — Gov. David Ige will be traveling to Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan from Nov. 3 through Nov. 12.

The South Korean government invited Gov. and Dawn Amano-Ige to participate in various informational briefings and events on their first visit to the country. The governor will meet with various Korean ministries and officials to promote Korea-Hawai‘i relationships, cooperation and economic development.

The Iges will visit the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning, and the Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Station to explore the potential for renewable energy cooperation.

The governor and Mrs. Ige are also scheduled to visit Seoul National University, Inha University, the Korea Tourism Organization and Incheon International Airport Corp. to explore the potential for exchanges in education, culture and tourism.

In Japan, the governor will attend the U.S.- Japan Council’s 2015 annual conference which convenes each fall to explore cutting-edge topics that provide opportunities for growth and cooperation between the United States and Japan.

This year, the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the conference will highlight the importance of the enduring partnership of our two countries.

The cost of the Korean portion of the trip is $8,286.71. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea is covering the cost of the trip for Gov. Ige, Mrs. Ige and Protocol Officer Rob Lee, who is accompanying the governor on this portion of the trip.

The governor’s Chief of Staff Mike McCartney will accompany Gov. Ige on the Japan portion of the trip, which will cost $5,000.34 and will be covered by the state. Mrs. Ige will accompany Gov. Ige on this portion of the trip at her own expense.

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui will serve as acting governor while Ige is out of the state.