Japan and Hawaii already have strong economic, cultural and education ties, and we intend to build upon those ties and relationships as we look toward the future.

Japan and Hawaii enjoy a special connection, and I want to honor this enduring relationship.

We want the people of Japan to know that the people of Hawaii welcome them to the Hawaiian Islands.

I stand here today - in the shadow of my parents' and grandparents' accomplishments - because of their willingness to sacrifice and look to my future.

I think it's really important as we position Hawaii as the policy leader in renewable energy.

I challenge the leaders of public education to stop issuing mandates from the state office and to focus on empowering schools and delivering resources to the school level.