President Obama Acknowledges Mufi

While addressing the U.S. Conference of Mayors at the White House to discuss creating jobs across our nation's cities, President Barack Obama recognized Mayor Mufi Hannemann (front row, center).  The President thanked Hannemann for being a gracious host during the First Family's recent trip to Honolulu, where they spent Christmas and New Year's.

Hannemann felt the recognition by the President on a national stage was a "testament to the people of Honolulu and speaks well of our spirit of aloha."

Watch the President's address by clicking here.  Mayors Bernard Carvalho (Kauai), Billy Kenoi (Big Island), and Charmaine Tavares (Maui) also attended the job talk at the White House, and can be seen in the audience with fellow mayors applauding the President.

Earlier in the day, Mayor Hannemann received the 2010 National Award for Local Arts Leadership for his work with Honolulu's popular "First Fridays", the Honolulu film office, ethnic celebrations, and youth performing arts events. 

Hannemann receives award on arts

"It's truly an honor to be recognized for something in which I believe so passionately," Hannemann said. "And I accept this award on behalf of all those people and organizations in the City and County of Honolulu who share that same passion for the arts, and understand how important the arts are in adding to our city's quality of life."