Letter of Welcome
Aloha!
I would like to welcome you to my personal website and extend my warm greetings from the State of Hawaii. I am Dan Leaf; the Honorary Consul of Vietnam in Hawaii and it is my privilege to serve as a bridge between the Vietnam and the State of Hawaii.
As an Honorary Consul, I am dedicated to advancing cultural and business ties between our two regions and to providing assistance to Vietnamese citizens visiting or residing within the State of Hawaii. I am also committed to facilitating trade and investment opportunities between Hawaii and Vietnam to mutual benefit and to create a deeper understanding between our two cultures.
I served in the U.S. Air Force for over 33 years, flying combat missions in the F-15 and F-16. In my final active duty assignment as Deputy Commander of U.S. Pacific Command, I participated in the first post-war military-to-military meetings between our countries. Later as Director of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, I continued working towards reconciliation and partnership. I accepted this honorary position with the same purposes in mind.
I am honored to have this opportunity to connect with visitors and I look forward to supporting you in any way I can. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Mahalo,
Dan "Fig" Leaf
Lieutenant General (Ret'd), US Air Force
Honorary Consul of Viet Nam in Hawaii
The Role of an Honorary Consul
An honorary consul serves as a representative of a foreign country within their designated region or area of responsibility. While they do not possess the same level of authority as traditional diplomats, honorary consuls play a crucial role in fostering international relations, particularly for smaller states or those with limited resources. They act as a point of contact and facilitate various engagements, such as cultural exchanges, business collaborations, and diplomatic initiatives, between their host region and the country they represent.
One of the primary responsibilities of an honorary consul is to promote and advance the interests of their home country within their designated region. They actively work towards strengthening cultural and business ties, organizing events and initiatives to showcase their country's heritage, and facilitating collaborations between local institutions, organizations, and counterparts in their home country. By creating opportunities for mutual understanding and cooperation, honorary consuls contribute to the growth and development of bilateral relationships.
Honorary consuls also provide support and assistance to their fellow citizens residing within their host region. They act as a resource and point of contact for individuals seeking guidance on various matters, such as visa and immigration issues, consular services, or legal advice. Additionally, honorary consuls often collaborate with local authorities and organizations to ensure the well-being and welfare of their fellow citizens, offering support during emergencies or crisis situations. Their presence and dedication provide a valuable support system for nationals living away from their home country.
