The official state portrait of Governor David Ige was unveiled and dedicated on September 21 at Capitol Modern: the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum. Governor Ige served as the state’s eighth governor, from 2014 to 2022. He is a Democrat and an engineer by profession.
Photo gallery
“I’m privileged to have served the people of this state for two terms. Public service is not just a job, it is a calling, and it was my honor to be able to shepherd the state through some of the most critical times in not just American history but global history. The coronavirus pandemic happened during my tenure, and to watch as our government and citizenry paired together to forge a new reality was humbling and inspiring,” said Governor Ige.
“Governors’ portraits serve as visual public records of Hawaiʻi history and provide an emotional link between audiences and past administrations,” said Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) Director Karen Ewald.
SFCA is tasked with commissioning and facilitating the creation of these portraits to ensure a complete story is captured within these works of art. By working alongside our governors and an Art Advisory Committee made up of community members, the SFCA selects portrait artists based on extensive portfolio reviews and in-person interviews.
Governor Ige’s portrait was painted by Native Hawaiian artist and Maui resident Kirk Kurokawa. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with distinction in illustration from the California College or Arts and Crafts. An award-winning portrait artist, he is the first and only Hawaiian to paint the official portraits of not one, but two former Hawaiʻi Governors — Neil Abercombie and now David Ige, as well as the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye.
Amy Ige is one of the committee members as well as Governor Ige’s daughter. “Watching this portrait come to life has been a privilege. Kirk [Kurokawa] made it clear from our first meeting that he was not simply painting a picture, but capturing the essence of a leader. Kirk has woven the story of Governor Ige’s humble and steadfast dedication to our state through his art. This piece is a permanent tribute to a legacy of service, and we are incredibly proud of the results,” reflected Ige.
The portrait will be installed at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol in October.
Resources
- News release 09-21-2025 (PDF)
- News release photos and videos 09-21-2025 (Dropbox)
- Governor’s portrait program (PDF)
Media coverage
- Big Island Now “Official state portrait unveiled of Hawaiʻi’s eighth governor, David Ige” September 22, 2025
- Maui Now “Maui Artist Kirk Kurokawa paints Gov Ige’s official state portrait” September 22, 2025
- Hawaiʻi News Now “Hawaiʻi State Art Museum reveals former Governor David Ige’s Portrait” September 22, 2025
- Kauaʻi Now “Official state portrait of Hawaiʻi’s former governor David Ige unveiled on Sunday” September 21, 2025
- Honolulu Star Advertiser photo gallery, September 21, 2025
- Hawaiʻi Public Radio “Former Gov Ige’s portrait to be added to Hawaiʻi State Capitol ceremony room” September 19, 2025
Edits
- Two photos of traditional Okinawan cultural performances added on September 24, 2025.
- Information about portrait being installed in October added on September 24, 2025.
- Media coverage list updated with Kaua’i Now on September 24, 2025.