Hawaii governor: 'Having people work in the community is the best way to get them to be invested' in it

Government
Dawn ige and david ige
First Lady Dawn and Gov. David Ige of Hawaii | Daniel Ramirez/Wikimedia Commons

Gov. David Ige (D-HI) recently celebrated the work volunteers perform across the state, highlighting April 17 to 23 as Volunteer Week Hawaii.

“Having people work in the community is probably the best way to get them to be invested in our community,” he said, according to the state's website. “It really is an honor and a privilege to work side-by-side with so many organizations to take care of this place we call home.”

The governor cited Diamond Head State Monument's collaboration with local nonprofit Kanu Hawaii to improve the native garden at the monument, including the planting of two rare and endangered Abutilon menziesii (Ko’oloa'ula).

“[First Lady] Dawn and I are really honored to be part of this Earth Day Volunteer  Event," the governor said. "Diamond Head is one of Oahu’s most visited destinations, and we truly appreciate the volunteer effort that Kanu Hawaii organized.”

Diamond Head is considered to be Hawaii’s most recognized landmark, known for its historic hiking trail, coastal views and military history.

It features a "saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles in the air," according to Diamond Head's website. The park has more than 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater.

Volunteer Week Hawaii was launched in 2018 as the local version on National Volunteer Week, which was initiated under President Richard Nixon in 1974.