10/15/26
View agenda and register for WGA’s 2026 Winter Meeting on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
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The 2026 Winter Meeting of the Western Governors’ Association will be held December 10-12 on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. It will be hosted by WGA’s Chair, Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green, who will be joined by his fellow Western Governors for conversations with special guests and experts on a variety of topics important to our western states and territories, including an update on his WGA Chair initiative, Health Beyond Healthcare.
View the agenda below and register here to secure a room in WGA's room block. The cutoff date is November 18.
Check back in with WGA in the coming weeks for announcements about keynote speakers and Gubernatorial participation.
Thursday, December 10
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8:00 am – 4:30 pm Four Seasons Ko Olina |
Registration Open |
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12:30 – 1:00 pm Ko Olina TBD |
Governors’ Group Photo and Press Conference
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1:00 – 1:45 pm
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Welcome and Opening Remarks
Presentation of the colors and national anthem.
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1:45 – 2:15 pm |
Keynote I
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2:15 – 2:30 pm |
Break
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2:30 – 3:15 pm
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The Future of Pacific Prosperity and U.S. Regional Security Over the past decade, the Pacific region has become central to the national security interests of the United States and its allies and partners. This session will explore how states, territories, and the federal government can work together to identify and mitigate emerging risks, strengthen regional resilience, and advance the shared security and prosperity of the Pacific.
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3:15 – 4:00 pm
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Building Energy Infrastructure The development of large energy infrastructure presents an opportunity to strengthen local economies while meeting growing electricity demand. These projects can provide transformative economic opportunities by attracting new investment, expanding the local tax base, and supporting long-term community growth. This panel will explore how states, developers, and local leaders can work together to ensure energy infrastructure delivers lasting benefits for the communities that host it.
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5:00 – 7:00 pm Ko Olina Lawn |
Opening Reception Governors, First Spouses, and all attendees. |
Friday, December 11
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7:30 am – 3:30 pm
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Registration Open |
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1:15 – 1:45 pm |
Keynote II
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1:45 – 2:45 pm |
Health Beyond Healthcare Many occupations have a higher risk of substance misuse and mental health disorders, which can negatively affect workplace safety and put employees’ lives and livelihoods at risk. This session will look at some of these unique job challenges and the steps labor groups and others are taking to protect their workers and promote healthy living.
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2:45 – 3:00 pm |
Break
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3:00 – 3:30 pm |
Keynote III
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3:30 – 4:15 pm
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Honoring Heritage through Regenerative Tourism Across the West, communities are wrestling with the consequences of their own popularity. Landscapes are loved to death, and local cultures and norms can be threatened by the influx of eager visitors. In this panel, subject matter experts will explore how to structure tourism policies and educational campaigns such that local communities can continue to honor their homelands and heritage while facilitating sustainable economic development.
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4:15 – 4:30 pm |
Closing Session
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6:00 – 8:00 pm TBD |
Closing Dinner All attendees |
Saturday, December 12
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8:00 – 9:00 am Ko Olina TBD |
All Attendee Departure Breakfast |