This letter from Clifton M. Hasegawa to Governor Neil Abercrombie expresses appreciation for the governor's leadership and vision for Hawaii. It acknowledges that Abercrombie spoke plainly and directly, which some found uncomfortable but is expected of true leaders. It also commends Abercrombie for modernizing Hawaii's technology infrastructure and establishing efficient digital services for residents. Hasegawa believes the governor will continue contributing greatly to Hawaii's people now that he is leaving office and has more freedom to travel, speak, and advocate for the state without political constraints.

1. Clifton M. Hasegawa
President and CEO
Clifton M. Hasegawa & Associates, LLC
1044 Kilani Avenue 12
Wahiawa, Hawaii 96786-2243
Telephone: +1.808.463.1057
Mobile: +1.808.498.8408
Email: clifhasegawa@gmail.com
Internet: http://www.linkedin.com/in/cliftonhasegawa
https://cliftonmhasegawaampassociatesllc.wildapricot.org/
VIA EMAIL
August 24, 2014
The Honorable Neil Abercrombie
Governor, State of Hawaii
Executive Chambers, State Capitol
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Re: And Many Miles Yet to Travel
Dear Governor Abercrombie:
As you begin on your new journey, I am hopeful that your enthusiasm
and vision for the people of the State of Hawaii remains ever strong.
The leadership you have emboldened and carved into the foundation for
public service is a demonstration of plain speaking and straight forwardness.
There are many who may have not embraced such an approach as we in Hawaii
are engrained to tread softly and speak with chosen words.

2. This is not what is expected of a true leader. There is too much is left
unsaid and too often the multiple translations lead to ambiguity.
To speak of myself, the display of emotion is to share a person’s true inner
thoughts and belief. Many may be affronted. To look of oneself, there is hardly
anyone who can say, in moments of human events that they too have not or
would not have done the same. To keep within is to be untrue to oneself and to
the audience. To be passionate and to feel emotion is only human.
Singularly, bringing the State of Hawaii into the computer age is an
accomplishment worthy of your legacy as Governor. The efficient, effective, real-
time delivery on services to the people and most importantly to our young
people would not have been established had you not embarked on the journey to
acquire hardware and software, and establish a team of Information Technology
personnel. The infrastructure is sound and continues to evolve with advances in
cyber technology and cyber security.
In my sincere and humble belief when you leave the office as Governor
your strength and dedication to the people of the State of Hawaii increases
exponentially. No longer are you tethered to the daily routine of public office.
You will be free to travel, speak to all groups, accumulate and collect information
on the grassroots level, to translate and analyze this data, and through your
established network bring and do for the State of Hawaii and the people of the
State of Hawaii on a level that other Governors have sought to accomplish.
We have disagreed on many occasions.

3. Many refer to the cartoon first published in the Honolulu Weekly, the
words, “I am not your friend.” While friendships are most important, the work
of the Governor is to serve the people of the State of Hawaii fairly, equally and
justly. Individuals, groups, associations, organizations may not receive their
expectations. These adages, “You cannot please all of the people all of the time”
and “The Buck Stops Here” are hallmarks of your Administration.
There is a letter from you that I have kept as therein represents you as a
person and as a leader who feared not and journeyed to achieve what was left
unattended and accomplished by prior Administrations.
Your letter dated November 8, 2011 is enclosed for your convenience.
Thank you Governor Abercrombie. We look forward to your continued
stewardship and continuing contributions to the State of Hawaii for the people of
the State of Hawaii.
Respectfully,
Electronically Signed
Clifton M. Hasegawa
Enclosure: Letter from Governor Neil Abercrombie, November 8, 2011