State Senator, Kalani English, Goes Abroad
Part II: Morocco

Moloka'i Island Times
Thursday, March 9, 2006

After "island-hopping across the Pacific and touching base in Hawai'i", English headed directly to Washington, D. C. to be briefed on his trip to Morocco. English had previously applied for a seat on the American Council for Young Political Leaders. In Washington he learned that he was chosen from a pool of 500 other nominees. This 40-year old organization is dedicated to assisting "emerging national leaders and helping them gain international experience." This led English and seven others to an intensive briefing with U.S. and Moroccan embassy officials at the U.S. State Department's Department of Citizen Diplomacy.

Meeting completed, the bipartisan (Republican and Democrat) team headed to Morocco for a 14-day visit that included extensive site visits, meetings with high level political, religious and business leaders, and lots of media exposure and coverage.

English spoke of the country's "young progressive King, Mohammed VI, and his queen who, for the first time ever, has been given a title and role - even representing the nation in the UN."

The king has made sweeping changes in the law - particularly family law, including equality of rights for women in employment, divorce, and child custody - in accordance with the Koran. English said he was impressed with Morocco's adherence to moderate Islamic tradition and the way they have incorporated the Koran into their daily lives, especially in regard to human rights, stressing approval and acceptance of all races and religions.

As for Hawaii's role, English said that we are in a unique position since, "believe it our not, Morocco actually has a council general here on Oahu." He said that both Hawai'i and Morocco are keen on expanding trade ("they produce amazingly high quality goods"), sister city relations, tourism, and student/faculty exchanges. "They are hungry for technology and also are looking at balancing their trade in terms of seeking partners around the globe."English's goal is to share what he learned in Morocco here at home.

"Getting a global perspective gives me more and better insight into local issues," he said. "I have a better basis for comparison." Likewise, English firmly believes Hawai'i needs to take a bigger role in international affairs.

"We need to bring Hawai'i into the fold in regard to technology, trade, and in cultural areas." English said. "This means all three islands in my constituency. I want my colleagues in the Legislature to know that I serve and represent all areas equally."

As we see it, if what English learned during his travels helps Moloka'i, all the better for us! Which brings us to a final question, being that it was Opening Day for our representative: What is your priority list for our island in 2006? His short list includes funding for the MIS, and MGH's final phase of expansion. He's anxious to receive input about the library's need to grow and any other issues the island deems vital. "Don't hesitate to contact my office or to speak with me when I'm on Moloka'i, which happens a lot!" Again, we thank Rep. English (and his staff) for the cordial welcome and for making it possible for us to learn as he learns, be it locally or globally.

Original article URL: http://www.themolokaidispatch.com/back_issues/060309.pdf (page 3)

Return to Sen. English Home Page - KalaniEnglish.com

Home Bills and Resolutions About Senator English Committees Community Profiles Newsletter Archive News Archive Capitol Web Site Media Photos

Connect with Senator English

OUR DISTRICT