On a sunny Sunday, September 21, 2025, a dedication ceremony for the official portrait of Governor David Y. Ige was held at Capitol Modern: Hawai‘i State Art Museum. The oil portrait, painted by Maui artist Kirk Kurokawa, honors Gov. Ige’s years of service to the people of Hawai‘i.
The ceremony began with a dynamic Okinawan shishimai (lion-dog dance) by Hawai‘i Okinawa Creative Arts (HOCA), followed by an energetic eisa drum performance by Ryukyu Matsuri Daiko (RMD) Hawai‘i—setting a powerful tone of cultural celebration and gratitude.
Serving as emcee was Ryan Kalei Tsuji, former chief protocol officer under Gov. Ige. Tsuji introduced several government leaders who had worked closely with the governor and reflected on some of the challenges the State of Hawai‘i faced during his administration, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Robbie Alm, who served as Gov. Ige’s legal counsel during the formation of his first cabinet, recalled, “When you look at the first cabinet, it included people he felt were best able to do the work, regardless of their background or how close they had been to him.” He added, “I have never seen a more organized and concentrated effort that involved every single state department to get things done.”
Former Health Director Dr. Elizabeth “Libby” Char also shared her reflections, saying, “There was never a doubt in my mind that he was making decisions based on what was best for our entire state, our families, and our future families.”
Following Alm and Char, we received messages from Susan D. Case, former chair of the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, and David Lassner, former president of the University of Hawaii.
Written in the program was background information about the artist:
“Kirk Kurokawa, a local boy of Hawaiian, Japanese and Chinese descent, was born and raised on Maui. He received a BFA with distinction in Illustration from the California College of Arts and Crafts. In 2001, he returned home to Maui, became a self-taught oil painter and pursued his dream of becoming a fine artist. Kurokawa’s paintings focus predominantly on the ‘simple everyday life moments’ and have been showcased in various exhibitions around the state.
“Although he often paints the native birds and flowers and locals of Hawaii, he is best known for his portraiture. He has been in every installment of the Schaefer Portrait Challenge, and was awarded the Juror’s Choice award in 2006, and the People’s Choice Award in 2015 and 2022. He is also the first and only native Hawaiian to paint the official Portraits of the Governor of the State of Hawaii and the late United States Senator Daniel K. Inouye.”
At the dedication ceremony, Kurokawa shared some insight about the process of painting the portrait. He got to know Gov. Ige by talking story with him. Then, there were photographs meticulously taken to eliminate the need for prolonged sittings. This was followed by sketches and color studies diligently done before taking the brush to canvas.
Listening to the process, deepened the attendees’ appreciation of the portrait. Gov. Ige expressed his appreciation to all who attended including his family – former First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige and his children who all flew in from the mainland – friends, and community leaders and members who worked with him.
The unveiling of the portrait was preceded by a blessing by Kahu Kenneth Makuakane. A life-like and reverent portrayal, Kirk Kurokawa’s portrait captures Governor David Ige with warmth, humility, and a profound sense of respect for his service to Hawai‘i.
Attendees left with some sweet mochi, a thank you note from Gov. Ige and an informational card about the Governor David Ige Digital Library. On the card it is written “It is the first archive of its kind in the United States offering insight into policymaking and statewide priorities during a unique period in Hawaii’s history.”
