11-11-2010
Abercrombie Announces Leader to Plan Inaugural Events

Contact: Laurie Au, 808-587-4002

HONOLULU, HI – Governor-Elect Neil Abercrombie today announced that Karey Oura Kapoi will be in charge of planning the gubernatorial inaugural events.

In accordance with tradition, the inauguration will take place on the grounds of Iolani Palace on Dec. 6. Abercrombie will be sworn in at 12 p.m. The inauguration will also embrace new events, including ceremonies on the neighbor islands planned before the end of the year.

“I have said throughout the campaign that we will not have an Oahu-centric Administration and that begins with including the neighbor islands in the inauguration,” Abercrombie said. “Karey epitomizes the talented, creative and committed young professionals doing good things on every island.”

Kapoi, 36, was the Maui coordinator of the Abercrombie for Governor campaign. Kapoi is the founder of Island Soul Entertainment, a Maui-based events and record production company.

Kapoi founded and coordinated the Willie K Charity Golf Tournament that benefits the Maui Memorial Medical Center; served as director of the Maui County Fair; and help started The Pink CD project that benefits the Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation for breast education programs and to fund mammograms for women who do not have health insurance or are underinsured.

The Abercrombie for Governor campaign was Kapoi’s first time getting involved in a political campaign. This will be her first time planning gubernatorial inauguration events.

“This is Governor-Elect Abercrombie’s style of leadership of bringing in new people and empowering them,” Kapoi said. “Our inauguration events will reflect his vision of bringing Hawaii back together as we face our challenges and celebrate our successes.”

A schedule of inaugural events will be released as details are finalized.

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