The Regional Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations stated in Hawaii that he continued strengthening of relations between the various areas of the Diaspora is "an aspiration of new generations." This is important not only to "honour the courage and determination of emigrants," but also to "strengthen the cultural identity of our communities, recognising and projecting the Azores of today.
 
"The Portuguese community of Hawaii, mostly of Azorean origin, is an example of how the nearly 12,000 kilometres separating our archipelagos does not erase the pride in the origins or traditions that identify us in so many parts this world, such as the Cult of the Holy Spirit," said Rodrigo Oliveira. He spoke Friday on Maui at the opening ceremony of the Heritage Hall, which was attended by over a hundred people.
 
For Rodrigo Oliveira, "geography cannot constitute a barrier to stimulating working relations for the benefit of the communities of Azorean descent, such as those that proudly identify themselves with the Region even over a century after the arrival of the pioneers to these Pacific islands, which sometimes resemble the Azores."
 
Organised by the Portuguese Association of Maui, the Heritage Hall is "an example of determination as well as a privileged space for the affirmation of our community, the preservation of our identity and the dissemination of our historical and cultural values."
 
In this regard, he stressed that the opening ceremony "is a hallmark of great importance in the historical journey of Azorean emigration, which showcases its presence in the Pacific Ocean."
 
In his speech delivered at a ceremony that was attended by the most relevant Maui entities, including Mayor Arakua as well as the Bishop of Honolulu, Larry Silva, the Regional Under Secretary reminded that the relations between the Azores and Hawaii date back to the 19th century with the emigration of thousands of Azoreans to the lands of the so-called Sandwich Islands. The government official also stressed that cultural and religious traditions and the influence of the Azores in Hawaiian cuisine, architecture and the arts "are the statement of the emigrant community and the timeless strengthening of ties to their roots. Moreover, it "also demonstrates that what brings both archipelagos closer today "is much more than what separates them. "
 
"Even with the distance between our islands, it is possible to create synergies, implement projects of common interest and promote what we do best," said Rodrigo Oliveira. According to him, "the similarities between both archipelagos, either for their maritime strategic positions in important major oceans or for their geographic uniqueness, pose common challenges.”
 
There are many characteristics of our islands that can be further developed and, in this context, the local Portuguese community plays an important role in the achievement of this goal. Besides its valuable work in defence of the Azorean culture, namely in its preservation and dissemination, it can become the ambassador of our archipelago in here as anywhere in the world," said Rodrigo Oliveira.
 
During his visit to Hawaii, the Regional Under Secretary also met with the Mayor of the County of Maui, Alan Arakaua, with whom he discussed the policies in the promotion of renewable energy sources in the Azores and Hawaii, and visited the Kula Holy Ghost Church.
 
Kula, a location chosen by many Azoreans between the late 19th century and the early 20th century, annually hosts the Holy Spirit Feast at its Church on Pentecost day. The festivities are organised by the Portuguese community and gather hundreds of citizens of Azorean decent residing on various islands of Hawaii.