Today, we celebrate Governor John D. Waiheʻe III on his 80th birthday — a trailblazer, mentor and one of Hawaiʻi’s great public servants. As the first Native Hawaiian elected governor in the United States, he helped shape a stronger, more grounded future for our islands and inspired generations to lead with aloha, courage and purpose.
Governor Waiheʻe’s legacy can be felt across Hawaiʻi to this day — in our communities, in public service and in the continued elevation of Native Hawaiian voices throughout government and civic life. I’m honored to proclaim today, May 19, 2026, as Governor John D. Waiheʻe III Day in Hawaiʻi as we celebrate his lifelong commitment to our people and our home.
Hauʻoli lā hānau, Governor Waiheʻe, and mahalo for your decades of service to Hawaiʻi.
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Yesterday was a really special one. I had the honor of recognizing our Director of Communications, Makana McClellan, for being named the 2026 Communicator of the Year by the National Association of Government Communicators — the first person from Hawaiʻi to ever receive this national honor.
A proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools – Kapālama, Hawaiʻi Pacific University and Chaminade University, Makana has dedicated her career to serving Hawaiʻi with integrity, compassion and aloha. Beyond her work in my office, she has served on the Hawaiʻi State Board of Education, held leadership roles with Aloha Festivals and the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and continues to be a strong voice for community and culture across our state.
Makana has helped transform how Hawaiʻi communicates, especially during some of our toughest moments. From the Maui wildfires to severe flooding, tsunami warnings and other emergencies, she has led with calm, clarity and an unwavering commitment to keeping people informed.
She’s also helped build a stronger, more unified communications network across state government — making sure agencies work together, train together and serve the public with urgency and care.
This recognition reflects not only Makana’s leadership, but the incredible work of communicators and public servants across Hawaiʻi who show up every day for our communities.
Proud to celebrate Makana and proud to see Hawaiʻi recognized on the national stage.
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Tonight, I joined members of law enforcement, families and community leaders from across Hawaiʻi to honor the brave officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. We especially remembered Officer Suzanne O, whose name now joins the Hawaiʻi Law Enforcement Memorial as the 85th fallen officer honored for giving her life in the line of duty.
Public safety is never guaranteed. It exists because men and women across our islands choose every day to serve with courage, compassion and kuleana — often in the most difficult moments imaginable. Tonight was a powerful reminder that behind every badge is a human being, a family and a story of service that deserves to be remembered.
We will never forget those who gave everything for Hawaiʻi.
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The energy in the Stan Sheriff Center tonight was unreal.
Our University of Hawaiʻi Men’s Volleyball team brought Hawaiʻi together all season long, and tonight was about celebrating every player, every fan and every moment that made this championship run so special. Toughness, heart and true Warrior spirit from start to finish.
Congratulations to the NCAA Champion Rainbow Warriors. GO BOWS!
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