MAYOR HANNEMANN TO MEET WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA, TOP TRANSPORATION OFFCIALS, ARTS LEADERS, NATION’S MAYORS

(Friday, Jan. 15, 2010)—Mayor Mufi Hannemann will travel to Washington DC this weekend to meet with President Obama, top federal transportation officials, key lawmakers, arts leaders and the US Conference of Mayors. Hannemann will also attend an awards ceremony sponsored by Americans for the Arts and the USCM.

            Hannemann will meet on Tuesday (Jan. 19) with Senator Daniel Inouye regarding issues of importance to Honolulu and the nation’s mayors. Hannemann will then meet with US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Transit Administration Administrator Peter Rogoff regarding the progress of Honolulu’s rail transit project and the city’s plan to break ground shortly after the project’s Final Environmental Impact Statement is approved.

            On Wednesday (Jan. 20), Hannemann will participate with Americans for the Arts in a news conference at the National Press Club Building, and will speak about the importance of the arts to Honolulu’s culture and economy.

            Later that afternoon, Hannemann and the USCM leadership will meet in the US Capitol with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and members of the US Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee.

            On Thursday (Jan. 21), Hannemann will attend a ceremony at which Americans for the Arts and the USCM will announce the 2010 National Award for Local Arts Leadership. As chairman of the Conference’s standing committee on Tourism, Arts, Parks, Entertainment and Sports, Hannemann succeeded in making tourism and the arts part of the USCM’s 10-point plan for America’s cities.

            Hannemann and other key members of the USCM will then attend a meeting at the White House with Obama administration Cabinet officials regarding the nation’s economy, followed by a luncheon and a two-hour meeting with the President.

            That evening, Hannemann will attend the 78th Winter Meeting Gala of the USCM, at the National Building Museum.

            On Friday (Jan. 22), Hannemann will meet with Representative Jim Oberstar, chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and provide an update on Honolulu’s rail transit project.

            Hannemann will then speak at the USCM Closing Luncheon, which will feature an address by First Lady Michele Obama. Hannemann will present the National Culinary Award to the nation’s top chef. Hannemann conceived and proposed the award, which is sponsored by the USCM, the National Restaurant Association, and the Culinary Institute of America.

            Hannemann will return to Honolulu on Saturday (Jan. 23).

-30-

Media contact: Bill Brennan, Mayor’s Office, 768-6928