Embarking on his first official visit to the Hawaii archipelago, islands’ extraordinary natural beauty and rich cultural tapestry provided a singular and vital backdrop for Consul General Massimo Carnelos’s consular mission, framing the visit as both an occasion of admiration and a significant advance in fostering Italy’s relationship with one of the Pacific’s most dynamic and strategically vital regions.
During his stay, the Consul General was honored to meet with Governor Josh Green and the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, Rick Blangiardi. Their discussions underscored a shared commitment to deepening cooperation in key sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture—areas in which both Italy and Hawaii have developed valuable expertise and forward-looking strategies.
Particularly fruitful was the meeting with Italian scientists and researchers working across several academic institutions, most notably at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Exchanges focused on promising avenues for collaboration in fields such as volcanology and earthquake studies, disciplines of critical importance to both Italy and Hawaii given their unique geological characteristics.
The Consul General also wished to commend the outstanding work of Professor Michele Carbone, Honorary Consul of Italy, whose vision and dedication were instrumental in the establishment of the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center. He expressed his sincere gratitude for Professor Carbone’s invaluable support in organizing a comprehensive and impeccably coordinated program.
Warm thanks were likewise extended to Fred Wawner of Hawaii Preparatory Academy on the Island of Hawaii for his engagement and commitment to fostering educational exchange.
This visit further reinforced Italy’s determination to cultivate meaningful partnerships across the Pacific, building bridges through science, innovation, sustainability, and education.
