WASHINGTON, DC—Gov. Arnold I. Palacios recently spoke at the Inaugural White House Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Convening that brought together key NHPI leaders, private sector leaders, federal and state elected officials, federal appointees and staff.
The governor’s remarks at the White House NHPI Convening were part of his visit to the nation’s capital which also included separate meetings with Kurt M. Campbell, United States Deputy Secretary of State, senior officials at the U.S. Department of Interior, and other federal partners. He also met with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, a cabinet-level administration official who leads the country’s trade discussions with other nations.
He addressed the Convening immediately after U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland gave opening remarks. After delivering his remarks, U.S. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell also gave remarks.
In his remarks, Palacios expressed his deepest appreciation to Haaland and the Biden-Harris administration for the high-level engagements they have had and the strategic partnerships that the administration has continued to cultivate with island communities.
“From improving infrastructure, supporting workforce development efforts, addressing natural disasters, and increasing the number of federal personnel dedicated to working with the U.S. territories, the administration’s willingness to collaborate—across the vast Pacific and even across party lines—with island territories and nations has not gone unnoticed.”
He added that the NHPI Convening advances those ongoing efforts to raise the collective voices of islanders, “which have sometimes been diminished or drowned out by conflicting narratives, misunderstood context, or incorrect assumptions about the indigenous communities.
Palacios said although the federal government and Pacific Island governments have come a long way in strengthening their relationships and their lines of communication, they still have much more to accomplish.
“Along with other Pacific islands, the CNMI is on the front lines of the climate crisis. Our islands, though small in size, are disproportionately affected by global warming and climate change caused by larger countries. We face rising sea levels, stronger and more frequent typhoons, and other destructive impacts to our natural ecosystems, food security, and ways of life.”
He added thar the CNMI and other Micronesian islands are also facing significant challenges in air passenger service.
“Limited competition, infrequent flights, and exorbitant ticket prices are hindering economic development, access to essential services, and overall quality of life for residents.”
Palacios concluded his remarks by saying, “The tyranny of distance and isolation of the islands have also led to an incredibly high cost of living by creating barriers to access affordable healthcare, employment opportunities, and basic goods and services.”
Background of White House NHPI Convening
NHPI continues to be among the most underrepresented subgroups within the AANHPI constituency and remain some of the most underserved communities in the Nation. Before this Convening, the White House had not hosted an NHPI-specific event.
The event aimed to achieve two goals: recognize the cultures and achievements of NHPI communities and cement the Administration’s legacy of celebrating the diversity of AANHPI communities and leaving no community—no matter how small—behind. (PR)
