Gov. Neil Abercrombie is naming the slam poet known as Kealoha to be Hawaii’s first poet laureate.

The governor’s office says Steven Kealohapau’ole Hong-Ming Wong will occasionally perform as Hawaii Poet Laureate at official state events. 

He will represent the Hawaii at similar ceremonial events around the country and world. 

He completed his first ceremonial duty Thursday by performing at the dedication of a sculpture garden at the Hawaii State Art Museum. 

Kealoha was the first poet to perform at a Hawaii governor’s inauguration in 2010 when Abercrombie took office.