Hawaii Gov. Josh Green began his term as the ninth governor of the state with a message of unification for Hawaii to be one ‘ohana, or one family.
Green was sworn in during his inauguration this week, ready to address the homeless crisis and other issues facing communities.
“When we come together, we can meet any challenge and accomplish anything we set our minds to,” Green said in his inaugural address. “We can set an example for the whole world on the issues of housing, homelessness, poverty, and climate change if we truly come together and commit to putting our values of ‘ohana and aloha into practice – and make them a reality for everyone in Hawaii.”
Green is familiar with the issues facing Hawaii having served as a doctor on the Big Island and as a member of the House of Representatives, the Senate, and as lieutenant governor. He’ll continue to address the homeless situation by authorizing the release of $50 million in grants-in-aid to build kauhale communities in every county.
According to a release from the governor’s office, Green’s plans to unite the state include: empowering the Department of Hawaiian Homelands to deliver on the state’s commitment to Native Hawaiians by housing the thousands of Hawaiian families on the waiting list; addressing health care disparities; using scholarships to pay down loans for healthcare professionals; eliminating regressive taxes; finding a path to restore justice in the legal system; addressing the effects of climate change; and reaching the state’s renewable energy goals.
Sylvia Luke was sworn in as lieutenant governor, making history as the first person of Korean ancestry elected to statewide office in Hawaii.