Hawaii State Senator Dru Kanuha and his delegation arrived at the Rarotonga International Airport yesterday afternoon for a series of engagements with government, business, and resident Hawaiians in Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Senator Kanuha and his delegation was received by Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAI) senior officials, and officials from the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation.

Kanuha, a member of the Hawaii State Senate representing District 3, will discuss future economic, tourism, trade, cultural, and people-to-people ties with the Cook Islands.

The Senator’s visit coincides with the commencement of the direct Honolulu-Rarotonga flight which arrives this weekend. His delegation includes representatives from Hawaii’s Senate Committee, Hawaiian Airlines, and Hawaii City Council.

In a statement, MFAI said this week’s visit marks a year since an initial meeting between Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, and Senator Kanuha in Pape’ete, while both were on separate economic and trade expansion missions to French Polynesia.

“I’m delighted our government is able to welcome Senator Kanuha to Rarotonga this week and hold further discussions on how we might together discuss future bilateral co-operation between ourselves,” PM Brown said,

“Transport links are imperative to the expansion of trade and economic opportunities with Hawaii and the arrival of the direct Honolulu - Rarotonga flight this week will be the catalyst for our shared aspirations which is rooted in our shared cultural heritage and trade links which go back decades.”

The programme of engagements for the visit is being coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration in partnership with Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, the Business Trade and Investment Board, and the Ministry of Culture.

The delegation will depart for Honolulu on the direct flight which leaves on Sunday.