Hundreds of people gathered at the Japanese Cultural Center on Tuesday to witness state Sen. David Ige become Hawaii’s eighth governor against Republican James “Duke” Aiona.
People wearing blue and white T-shirts with the name “David Ige” printed on them filled the hot, stuffy Manoa Ballroom as they cheered and applauded for their candidate.
There was a large selection of delectable local foods including sushi, noodles, edamame, mochiko chicken, tempura vegetables, fish, and much more.
With plates of food in one hand and a glass of wine in the other, supporters anxiously talked with each other discussing the admirable traits of Democrat Ige and how he was going to walk away from this election with a victory.
Devon Takamine, 47, is from Kunia and has been supporting Ige since January. He voted for him earlier that day because “Ige is willing to listen to the community. He’s a kind and gentle leader. He’s all about family and he has our best interests at heart.”
Ige’s leadership style as a listener more than a talker was a theme in his campaign, and he proved that he meant it, refusing to accept victory even after it was announced that he was ahead with 49 percent of the votes over Aiona’s 37 percent.
Justin P. Puaoi, the International Lead Organizer for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, is from Waianae and has been supporting Ige all year long.
“He’s a strong leader and he’s got the support of the unions. He’s an advocate for the middle class and a family man,” said Puaoi.
Ige is a born and raised local who grew up attending public schools in Pearl City. Throughout most of his middle and high school years, he assumed leadership roles in almost everything he was involved in.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering as well as his Master of Business Administration degree in Decisions Sciences from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Ige is now married to a woman named Dawn, and they have three children together: Lauren, Amy and Matthew.
A number of supporters commented that Ige is working to take care of Hawaii’s economy and environment. He has hopes to restore the part of government regarding the sense of community and pays close attention to the people and their concerns.
Ige is family-oriented and many people can relate to his values as he claimed that taking care of the children and the community as a whole are just a few of his top priorities.
Sherry Young, 53, is from Aiea and has been a strong advocate for Ige and his campaign ever since 2013.
“Ige makes education one of his first priorities. He’s about empowering schools and refocusing on the children,” said Young. “He is eager to work and is looking for savings and opportunities to reinvest in the state of Hawaii.”
People wearing blue and white T-shirts with the name “David Ige” printed on them filled the hot, stuffy Manoa Ballroom as they cheered and applauded for their candidate.
There was a large selection of delectable local foods including sushi, noodles, edamame, mochiko chicken, tempura vegetables, fish, and much more.
With plates of food in one hand and a glass of wine in the other, supporters anxiously talked with each other discussing the admirable traits of Democrat Ige and how he was going to walk away from this election with a victory.
Devon Takamine, 47, is from Kunia and has been supporting Ige since January. He voted for him earlier that day because “Ige is willing to listen to the community. He’s a kind and gentle leader. He’s all about family and he has our best interests at heart.”
Ige’s leadership style as a listener more than a talker was a theme in his campaign, and he proved that he meant it, refusing to accept victory even after it was announced that he was ahead with 49 percent of the votes over Aiona’s 37 percent.
Justin P. Puaoi, the International Lead Organizer for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, is from Waianae and has been supporting Ige all year long.
“He’s a strong leader and he’s got the support of the unions. He’s an advocate for the middle class and a family man,” said Puaoi.
Ige is a born and raised local who grew up attending public schools in Pearl City. Throughout most of his middle and high school years, he assumed leadership roles in almost everything he was involved in.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering as well as his Master of Business Administration degree in Decisions Sciences from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Ige is now married to a woman named Dawn, and they have three children together: Lauren, Amy and Matthew.
A number of supporters commented that Ige is working to take care of Hawaii’s economy and environment. He has hopes to restore the part of government regarding the sense of community and pays close attention to the people and their concerns.
Ige is family-oriented and many people can relate to his values as he claimed that taking care of the children and the community as a whole are just a few of his top priorities.
Sherry Young, 53, is from Aiea and has been a strong advocate for Ige and his campaign ever since 2013.
“Ige makes education one of his first priorities. He’s about empowering schools and refocusing on the children,” said Young. “He is eager to work and is looking for savings and opportunities to reinvest in the state of Hawaii.”