On May 8, the National Institutes for Natural Sciences and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan presented Mr. Ige with a certificate of appreciation.
Figure 1: Former Governor of Hawai`i Ige (center-left) holding the letter of appreciation, alongside Director Tsuneta of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (center-right). Also shown: Councillor Yoshifumi Matsumura [far left], Mrs. Dawn Amano-Ige [second from the left], Councillor Masaji Matsuyama (Manager of the LDP Japan-Hawai`i Parliamentary Friendship Association) [second from the right], and Councillor Iwao Horii [far right]. (Credit: NINS/NAOJ)
David Yutaka Ige, who served as the Governor of Hawai`i from 2014 to 2022, consistently supported astronomy at Maunakea, while making efforts to foster mutual understanding within the community throughout the eight years of his two terms. Mr. Ige, whose family roots trace back to Okinawa, initiated and promoted exchanges between Japan and Hawai`i in a wide range of fields. In recognition of his achievements, he was named to the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star in the 2023 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals. At a celebration event honoring Mr. Ige’s award, the National Institutes for Natural Sciences and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan presented Mr. Ige with a certificate of appreciation.
Figure 2: Certificate of appreciation for David Yutaka Ige, Former Governor of the State of Hawai`i. (Credit: NINS/NAOJ)
Aloha e Mr. David Y. Ige,
Mahalo nui loa for your unyielding support for the Subaru Telescope and astronomy on Maunakea, a place close to the heavens, and for your contributions and commitment to honor, respect, and promote Native Hawaiian culture. These hand-in-hand activities allow our astronomers to push the boundaries of human understanding of the Universe and inspire the next generation to continue the journey.
With our mahalo and deepest friendship,
Maki Kawai, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
Saku Tsuneta, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
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