PRESIDENT OF FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA PRESENTS OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARDS IN HONOLULU

First such awards to go those who work for or on behalf of Micronesians in Hawai'i.

HONOLULU – President Emanuel Mori of the Federated States of Micronesia today presented Presidential Outstanding Citizen Awards to fourteen FSM business and community leaders in Hawai'i, at a ceremony at the Hawai'i State Capitol. These were the first such awards presented, and included recipients from all four FSM states: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap.

"I am proud to recognize the efforts of these individuals, and their work for and on behalf of the people of the Federated States of Micronesia," said President Mori. "We appreciate that we have been welcomed as a part of the community in Hawai'i, and for the opportunities our citizens have been offered. These awards are our way of acknowledging the hard work of these outstanding members of our shared community."

State Senator J. Kalani English (District 6 - Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i and Kaho'olawe) joined President Mori in recognizing today's awardees. "The Micronesian community is a growing part of our Hawai'i," Senator English said. "Those recognized today have helped foster the inclusion of their community into ours, to help build a stronger, more diverse combined community. Culturally, economically, and socially, that makes Hawai'i a better place."

Receiving awards at today's ceremony were:

Chuuk State

Mr. Seis Arechy, Administrator, U.S. Social Security Administration, Honolulu Office
Mrs. Magarita Cholymay, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Hawaii
Mr. Sepkap Esah, Pastor and Founder, Chuukese Nuuanu Baptist Church
Mr. Elvis Shirai, Tony Nissan

Pohnpei State

Mr. Radigan David, Pastor and Founder, Pohnpei Fellowship Mission, Central Union Church
Mr. Mitchell Neth, MA (Criminal Justice), Officer, Honolulu Police Department
Mr. Nelsin Wilson, Operations Manager, Seals Master

Yap State

Mr. Jessy Defan, President, WAAB Association Honolulu
Mr. Lubuw Falanruw, President/CEO, Digital Mediums
Mr. Max J. Yarawamai, Founder, Resort Management Group
Mr. Ronald Yow, Owner, Orego Enterprises

Kosrae State

Ms. Lilian Siegal, Honolulu District Program Coordinator, Hawai'i Department of Education
Ms. Yoslyn G. Sigrah, attorney
Mr. Elwell Tauleng, Kitchen Manager, Marriot Beach Hotel/Chuck's Steakhouse

Awardees were selected by FSM citizens' associations in Honolulu as well-established and successful owners of private businesses, or leaders of community organizations owned by or servicing FSM citizens living in Hawai'i.

President Mori was accompanied by Federated States of Micronesia dignitaries including Mr. Yosiwo George, Ambassador to the United States; Mr. Lorin Roberts, Secretary of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Janus Naich, Deputy Chief of Mission to the United States; Ms. Vita Skilling, Secretary of Health and Social Affairs; and Mr. Casio Mida, Chief of Staff to the President.

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