It was an absolute honor to host the inaugural Climate Hawaiʻi Leadership Awards at Washington Place last night. We celebrated the remarkable individuals and organizations that are driving Hawaiʻi’s clean energy and climate resilience efforts. From renewable energy projects to innovative climate policies, these leaders are showing the world what it means to take bold, meaningful action in the face of our climate crisis. Their dedication to ensuring a sustainable future for our islands is truly inspiring, and it’s a privilege to recognize their efforts.
In our ongoing effort to combat climate change, I convened the Climate Advisory Team (CAT) to develop community-informed policy recommendations that will drive our state’s climate priorities for the next legislative session in 2025. The goal is clear: we must reduce the impacts of climate-related disasters like the devastating Lahaina wildfire and proactively prepare for the challenges ahead. By focusing on policy change, CAT aims to create tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of our island communities, ensuring that we are not only responding to but also mitigating the growing threats of climate change.
Hawaiʻi has the unique opportunity to lead by example. Our size allows us to experiment, innovate, and scale solutions quickly, and our natural resources make a 100% clean energy future not just a goal, but a reality we are already building. Last night’s award recipients—and all who work alongside them—are setting the pace for a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable Hawaiʻi. Mahalo to everyone who is committed to this shared mission. Together, we will build a stronger, climate-safe future for generations to come.
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Aloha all, we’re halfway through the week. Here’s a short update on our Cancer Center and our Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program. Please also donate, if you’re able to ALS.org We send our Aloha out to Florida as they brace for the storm. Mahalo to the community, our first responders and FEMA for all they’re doing to help our friends in the path of the storm.
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Photos from Kamehameha Schools's post
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Today, I had the chance to tour Hawaiian Host's new facility in downtown Honolulu, and it was inspiring to see how this iconic, locally founded company continues to flourish. For nearly 100 years, Hawaiian Host has shared a piece of Hawaii with the world, starting with Mamoru Takitani’s dream in an attic on Maui. Supporting Hawai‘i-owned businesses like this one is critical—not just for our economy, but for preserving the culture and spirit that make our islands so special. When we support local, we strengthen our community and ensure that traditions like these continue for generations.
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I am honored to announce that the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center has received the prestigious five-year designation from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), marking it as one of the top cancer centers in the nation. This recognition places the UH Cancer Center among an elite 4% of centers across the U.S., affirming its groundbreaking research and vital work in serving Hawai‘i’s multi-ethnic communities. The Cancer Center’s continuous commitment to improving cancer outcomes, particularly for underserved populations in Hawai‘i and the Pacific, is a testament to the exceptional leadership and dedication of its team.This NCI designation not only acknowledges the UH Cancer Center’s excellence in research but also opens doors to increased federal funding, including more than $57 million annually in research support. These funds are essential in advancing innovative cancer prevention, treatment, and care for the 7,000 new cancer diagnoses reported each year in our state. With this designation, we can continue to offer life-saving care, including cutting-edge clinical trials, right here in Hawai‘i. Mahalo to everyone involved in achieving this milestone!
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