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Announcement

FOREIGN MINISTER’S COMMENDATION FOR 2010

Honolulu , July 14, 2010 – On July 14 (Wed), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a ceremony for the Foreign Minister’s Commendation for 2010 followed by a reception at Iikura House. From Hawaii , Mr. Dennis Yoshito Teranishi, Vice Chairman and CEO of Hawaiian Host Inc. has been awarded the Commendation.

  The Foreign Minister’s Commendation is awarded to those who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of understanding and friendly relations between Japan and foreign countries through economic and technical cooperation, information and cultural activities, and other activities to enhance international relations.  This year, 58 individuals and 39 groups (8 individuals and 10 groups from the United States ) received the award.

  In addition to serving as Vice Chairman and CEO of Hawaiian Host Inc., Mr. Teranishi serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR). PICHTR was established in 1983, as a result of an agreement between Japan and the United States to develop and deploy appropriate sustainable energy technologies for Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region.

  Since his appointment as Vice Chairman of the Board of PICHTR in 1999, Mr. Teranishi has played a key role in spearheading the planning and operational aspects of PICHTR’s various high technology projects. In particular, Mr. Teranishi successfully led the Renewable Energy Based Rural Electrification Project and the Pacific Island Nations Education and Training Program which was funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and thus, contributed to the promotion of cooperation between the United States and Japan in the field of high technology.

  Moreover, Mr. Teranishi has provided substantial assistance to the development of the Hawaii-Okinawa Partnership on Clean Energy which was agreed upon between the United States and Japanese governments in November 2009. Mr. Teranishi visited Okinawa to hold discussions with Japanese counterparts and made proposals on future renewable energy projects in Okinawa and Hawaii . His involvement in this matter has further strengthened U.S.-Japan relations and has helped build a stronger sister-state relationship between Hawaii and Okinawa .

  Mr. Teranishi’s award ceremony will be held on August 11 at the Consul General’s official residence.