HONOLULU – At the invitation of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Hawaii Gov. David Ige and his wife, Dawn Amano-Ige, will represent the state at a White House state dinner honoring Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on April 28 in Washington, D.C.
Obama and Abe will recognize the strong global partnership that the U.S. and Japan have developed during the 70 years since the end of World War II, and underscore the common values and principles that have made the bilateral relationship so enduring.
As the closest U.S. state to Japan, Hawaii shares a rich history with Japan, Ige said. “It is an honor for us to be invited to represent our state and reinforce Hawaii’s strong cultural and economic ties with our Japanese neighbors.”
The Obamas have hosted very few state dinners during the president’s two terms. This event will be only the eighth state dinner of the Obama presidency.
Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui will be acting governor during Ige’s absence from April 27 to 29.