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Remarks at the Inauguration Reception for Mr. Arthur Taniguchi, Honorary Consul General of Japan at Hilo by CG Yoshi Kamo

December 16, 2010

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Good evening! Aloha!

This is a special evening. I am very much honored to be here to join you in celebration of the appointment of the new Honorary Consul General of Japan at Hilo. At this time, I have the pleasure of informing you that we had an official ceremony for his appointment at the Mayor’s Office this afternoon. In the ceremony I handed to Mr. Art Taniguchi officially the Letter of Appointment issued by the then Minister for Foreign Affairs Katsuya Okada.

I have the pleasure of welcoming you to this happy occasion as a host. I would like to congratulate Mr. Art Taniguchi on his appointment for this important position, of course. I would like to congratulate all of you as well that you have got a fine man as your Consul General here. Tonight’s great turn out is a good testimony that he is best fit for this role.

We have a strong relationship between Japan and the Big Island. Hilo welcomed many Japanese settlers and prepared for the stage for their new life in Hawaii. Many Japanese enjoy visiting the Big Island for tourism. Hilo has many charms. It has the volcano, astronomical observatories, and historic down towns. Its great nature and people are enticing. The appointment of Mr. Taniguchi as Honorary Consul General demonstrates the importance the Government of Japan attaches to Hilo and the Big Island. I am certain, the new Honorary Consul General put in place, our mutual ties will further grow.

My humble request to you is to kindly render support to him in discharging his duties. He will need it. He will work for you as best as he can.

Congratulations!