There were many in the party that did not want me to run.

I can sign all of the emergency proclamations I want, but that's not going to fix the infrastructure in urban Honolulu.

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.

As leaders, our job is to engage people so that they will want to participate in this grand experience in self governance.

As I prepare to take over the reins of your government, I ask each of you to join me in the process of governing.