Gov. David Ige arrives in Washington, D.C. Thursday for the winter meeting of the National Governors Association.

Ige serves on the association’s Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee, and will join in a panel discussion on Sunday. The governors will also meet with President Obama at the White House. 

 In addition to the NGA meetings, Governor Ige plans to meet with federal transportation, health, and housing administration officials in an effort to maximize Hawaii’s share of federal dollars, according to a written statement issued by the governor’s office. Elizabeth Kim, Ige’s special advisor, will attend these meetings with him.

Ige also intends to meet with U.S. Army officials to express his commitment to strengthening the State’s relationship with the military, according to the statement.

 Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui will be acting governor until Ige’s return the evening of February 25.