David Ige sworn in as eighth Governor of Hawaii

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Democrat David Ige was sworn in as the eighth Governor of Hawaii during an inauguration ceremony at the State Capitol Monday afternoon.

Ige, 57, served in Hawaii's Legislature for 29 years -- eight as a Representative and the last 21 as a Senator. During his legislative career, Governor Ige served as chairman of nine different Senate and House committees, most recently as the chair for the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Governor Ige's inauguration theme of "honoring the past and charting a new tomorrow" was on display throughout the ceremony, which paid tribute to his father who served in the 100th Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the U.S. Army during World War II alongside late U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye.

The program also featured songs and dances by high schoolers from Moanalua and Pearl City, the latter of which is Ige's alma mater. Kula Kaiaapuni 'o Anuenue performed a traditional Native Hawaiian oli, complete with ho'okupu, or an offering, for the new administration.

On stage next to the Hawaii state seal was the expression: "ola ke kalo i ka 'oha", which refers to the taro plant living on through its young shoots. It's interpreted to mean the family lives on through its young.

Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui was also sworn in. The 43-year-old Maui native served under former Governor Neil Abercrombie after he was appointed in late 2012. Tsutsui previously served in the state Senate for ten years, including as Senate President.

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