NEIL ABERCROMBIE, Former governor

Former Gov. Neil Abercrombie will be speaking at the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center Leadership Luncheon beginning at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Kahili Golf Course Nahele Ballroom in Waikapu.

Abercrombie’s keynote address is titled “Leadership in Today’s Hawaii: How are the Nisei Values Part of It?” The talk will focus on his observations from nearly five decades in public service, including as a U.S. congressman, state lawmaker, Honolulu City Council member and governor from 2010 to 2014.

Born in Buffalo, N.Y., Abercrombie is a graduate of Union College and the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a master’s degree in sociology and a doctorate in American studies.

Abercrombie began his political career in 1975 after winning a seat in the state House of Representatives. He served in the House until 1979, when he was elected to the state Senate.When U.S. Rep. Cecil Heftel resigned to run for governor, Abercrombie was elected to his vacant seat in a special election in 1986 but lost the Democratic primary for a full term on the same day. He served out the remainder of Heftel’s term until early January 1987.

He was elected to the Honolulu City Council from 1988 to 1990 before returning to Congress in 1991. Abercrombie served nine consecutive terms, representing Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District before running for governor in 2010. He lost four years later in the Democratic primary to current governor, David Ige.

Abercrombie made Hawaii his home in 1959 and was influenced by the local Japanese culture. Spending weekends at the Toyo Theater in Honolulu, he recalled being the only non-Asian person in the theater.

“The Kurosawa samurai movies made such an impact on me — the bushido code of honor, loyalty, sacrifice that were fabric of the Japanese-American community,” he said. “Those values certainly shaped how I made my decisions.”

The event is $35 per person and includes a buffet lunch. Call 244-6862 or email deidre@nvmc.org for tickets.

The NVMC Leadership Series will host guest speakers throughout 2018 and has already featured former Govs. George Ariyoshi and John Waihee as well as Ige.