GOVERNOR CELEBRATES HAWAI`I'S TIES TO JAPAN AT JAPANESE AMERICAN LEADERSHIP DELEGATION PROGRAM RECEPTION

July 24 - "Japanese Americans have and continue to strengthen the social fabric of our community and our country," Governor Lingle said at a reception celebrating the Japanese American Leadership Delegation Program, a collaboration between the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i and the Center for Global Partnership.

The Japanese American Leadership Delegation program is sponsored by the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is designed to foster friendship between the U.S. and Japan and strengthen relationships in business and government relations.

During the reception, the Governor shared her vision for Hawai`i's role in the "Pacific Century." Governor Lingle also discussed her recent trip to Tokyo and Okinawa, where she met with political, business and social leaders to bolster business opportunities, promote tourism and diversified options for visitors and explore new ways to increase innovation. In the fall, Governor Lingle will return to Japan and will continue her work to strengthen Hawai`i's ties to the region.