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Gov attending Western Governors Association conference

Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga was scheduled to depart last night for Utah via Honolulu to attend the Western Governors Association conference set for June 28-30 in Park City. The governor is scheduled to return July 1st.

 

Asked about issues Lolo plans to raise with the WGA and some of the issues that he wants to know more about from other governors, the governor’s executive assistant Iulogologo Joseph Pereira answered, “endangered species, especially the fishing grounds around Aunu'u and other fishing grounds on island that our people use for subsistence fishing.”

 

“Other issues which will be discussed include public lands, education, healthcare, energy, and economic development,” he said.

 

According to the WGA agenda, governors  and senior federal officials will discuss ways to strengthen federal-sate cooperation on the review and decision making for  listing, management and delisting of threatened and endangered species.

 

Additionally, there will be round-table discussions on state-based innovations in healthcare, ranging from insurance exchanges, expanding Medicaid coverage and meeting medical needs in rural communities.

 

There is also a round-table discussion on education planned for governors and others on how to promote innovation in education.

 

Iulogologo says the governor will have the opportunity while there to meet with Sally Jewell, the new Interior Secretary who is among the keynote speakers at the conference.

 

Jewell was sworn in on Apr. 12, this year as the 51st Secretary of DOI. Prior to joining DOI,  she served in the private sector, most recently as President and Chief Executive Officer of Recreation Equipment, Inc. (REI). Jewell joined REI as Chief Operating Officer in 2000 and was named CEO in 2005, according to her bio.

 

Iulogologo also says that while in Utah, the governor might participate in a meeting with Zions Bank and he will be meeting with his friend, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert.

 

Zions Bank, whose officials are meeting in Utah this week with ASG Treasurer Dr. Falema’o ‘Phil’ Pili, is poised to take over the processing of the ASG payroll system because Bank of Hawai’i is pulling out of American Samoa early next year.

 

Iulogologo, who is currently in Honolulu, will accompany Lolo to Utah. During Lolo’s absence, Lt. Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga, will be acting governor.