David Ige began his term as the eighth governor of the State of Hawai‘i on December 1, 2014. Under his leadership, Ige is credited for many accomplishments including public education. Early College, a program enabling high schoolers the ability to earn college credits for free, funding Hawai‘i’s Promise to make college more affordable, and cooling over 1,300 classrooms statewide is due to Governor Ige’s commitment to our keiki and their future.
Governor Ige presides over record visitor numbers, which contributes to the state’s robust economy and maintains Hawai‘i’s global position as a leader in tourism. Ige’s accomplishments also include the state achieving a AA+ bond rating, major construction projects are underway, and Hawai‘i enjoys the highest employment rate in the nation. Governor Ige is also credited for protecting and conserving our delicate environment including protecting nearly 40,000 acres of watershed forests. He has created thousands of affordable homes and rentals and advanced a state policy that by the year 2045, 100% of the electricity generated in Hawaii should come from renewable energy resources.
David was raised in a large family in Pearl City. He attended public schools, including the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and a Masters degree in Business Administration / Decisions Sciences. He held a 34-year career in information technology, telecommunications, networks and responsible public policy. Governor Ige has served our state since 1985, with the Hawaii House of Representatives and the Hawaii State Senate, where he chaired nine different committees including Education, Health, and Ways and Means.
Governor Ige is married to Dawn Amano-Ige. They have three children, Lauren, Amy and Matthew, who are currently pursuing their careers on the mainland.