Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz enjoy the entertainment Monday in Waimea. (Hawaii 24/7 photo by Karin Stanton)

Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Editor

Hundreds of Big Island residents turned out at a pair of events to meet their new governor.

Following their Dec. 6 inauguration in Honolulu, Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz are touring the state to cement their commitment to the entire state.

More than 300 people turned out Monday afternoon at Kuhio Hale in Waimea to congratulate the new leaders. It was the second Big Island stop – Sunday morning several hundred people filled Pahala Plantation House in Ka‘u.

The theme of the celebrations is “E Hoomalu O Hawaii,” which means “To Protect Hawaii.”

The Waimea gathering included entertainment by the Beamer-Solomon Halau O Poohala, Waimea Civic Club, and Slam Poet Kealoha, whose “New Day” performance was an inauguration day highlight.

Abercrombie’s introduction drew a standing ovation, leaving the new governor emotional.

“I don’t fail for words very easily,” he said, before describing his appreciation for supporters across the state.

“Ideas don’t come from the head, they come from the heart,” Abercrombie said. “My commitment is truly across all the islands and across all our people.”

Abercrombie said many view the Big Island in terms of east side and west side.

“I thought what about the north side and the south side,” he said. “If the folks in Kailua-Kona or Hilo like come, let them go to Ka‘u and let them come up to Waimea.”

The governor said the election was not about himself, Schatz or about the numbers.

“It was about our vision of Hawaii,” he said. “We are committed to working together. We are in the canoe together and the only way we can reach the shore is for everyone to put their paddle in the water and pull together. That is way through the stormy surf to the safety of the beach.”

Abercrombie said he feels blessed to live in Hawaii and have the support of so many people.

“I keep trying to get my emotions in check, but each place I go I get my sense of commitment renewed. I’m more energetic than ever,” he said, “and when Abercrombie is energized, he’s a dangerous person.

“In our campaign, I indicated a vote was an act of faith, an act of trust,” he said “And you good people have given us your faith and your trust and we will honor that faith and respect that trust and we will bring a new day to Hawaii.”

Abercrombie has selected a handful of Big Island leaders to join his cabinet. Two of the Big Island’s three state senators – pending Senate confirmation – have committed to the administration.

Sen. Russell Kokubun, representing Hilo, Puna and Ka’u, will lead the Department of Agriculture and Sen. Dwight Takamine, representing Hilo, Hamakua and Kohala, will take over as director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Other Big Islanders joining his administration include Sunshine Topping as Director of Department of Human Resources Development and Guy Kaulukukui as Department of Land and Natural Resources deputy director.

The confirmation tour already has visited Lanai, Maui and Molokai. The Kauai stop is Wednesday.

— Find out more:
http://hawaii.gov/gov/

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz listen to speakers before their introduction Monday in Waimea. (Hawaii 24/7 photo by Karin Stanton)

Kumu Keala Ching offers a chant written to commemorate Abercrombie's inauguration. (Hawaii 24/7 photo by Karin Stanton)

The Waimea Civic Club sings during Monday's celebration. (Hawaii 24/7 photo by Karin Stanton)

People line up to greet the new governor Sunday morning at Pahala Plantation House. (Hawaii 24/7 photo special by John Wicart)

Abercrombie speaks to the crowd Sunday at Pahala Plantation House. (Hawaii 24/7 photo special by John Wicart)

Dessert at Pahala Plantation House. (Hawaii 24/7 photo special by John Wicart)