[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E884]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING IAN ``SHIGE'' AINOA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MARILYN STRICKLAND

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 26, 2023

  Ms. STRICKLAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a standout 
member of our South Sound community, Mr. Ian ``Shige'' Ainoa. An Air 
Force veteran, a steward of our South Sound waters as a scientific 
diver, and a Little League coach, Shige brings Aloha, goodwill, and 
good spirits to everyone he encounters.
  Shige currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency as an 
IT specialist and a scientific diver, working to support the 
preservation of our Sound's ecosystem through his skilled fieldwork. A 
leader in advancing equity and fighting for justice, Shige also served 
as the manager of the Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander 
Program for the EPA's Northwest region.
  Outside of his day job, Shige goes above and beyond as an active 
board member of the University Place Veterans Plaza and volunteers his 
time to engrave and install new commemorative tiles. He has also 
coached Little League softball for the last three years.
  I thank Shige for his commitment and service to our Nation, our 
waters, and our South Sound community.

                          ____________________