Diary

Gov. Abercrombie gives his annual State of the State address.
Image: Matthew Kain

Exec Address

by Matthew Kain | Jan 25, 2012

Gov. Neil Abercrombie gave his State of the State address in the House Chambers on Monday, Jan. 23. After a brief moment of silence to remember fallen police officers, the governor spent almost 10 minutes of his 50 minute speech acknowledging people in attendance, including former governors Ariyoshi and Waihee as well as Lt. Gov. Shatz and Mayor Carlisle.

“And I would like to introduce my friend, who is apparently looking for something else to do,” said Abercrombie stealing a quick laugh from the crown while chiding former governor and recently announced mayoral candidate Ben Cayetano.

Abercrombie recited the rest of his speech in a humdrum fashion, but there were moments–specific topics–that seemed to incite passion in him and inspired him to go so far as to gesture and pound his fist on the podium. Early education for children, public health, reducing the prison population and reducing the state’s dependence on imported fuel were issues during which the governor’s demeanor was in stark contrast to the flatness of tone with which he addressed subjects like homelessness and agriculture.

The governor finished with a heartfelt anecdote about an inspiring note he received during his first days as governor which read: No task is too big when done together by all.

“I pledge my aloha to all of you in that spirit, mahalo nui loa,” concluded Abercrombie, who stepped away from the podium to a standing ovation.

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