Laserfiche WebLink
HISTORY <br /> The U.S. sister city program formally began in 1956 <br /> when President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposed a <br /> people-to-people citizen diplomacy initiative. It was <br /> originally a program of the National League of Cities, <br /> and Sister Cities International became a separate <br /> corporation in 1967 due to the growth and popularity <br /> of the U.S. program. <br /> ESTABLISHMENT PROCESS <br /> Article 31, Section 2 of the Hawaii County Code <br /> institutes the criteria and formal procedures for <br /> forming a sister city relationship. It states the <br /> County of Hawai'i may consider the <br /> establishment of a sister city relationship with a <br /> city or county that: <br /> • shares a historical, cultural, or ethnic <br /> relationship with the people of our county; <br /> • offers reciprocating educational, <br /> technological, or economic benefits, <br /> including special knowledge, know-how, or <br /> expertise that is beneficial to our businesses, <br /> industries, and labor force; <br /> • is similar in population size or character, <br /> which makes for analogous problems and <br /> concerns and the opportunity to exchange <br /> meaningful ideas and applicable solutions for <br /> either or both places or; <br /> • recognizes other common bonds that are mutually <br /> beneficial to the citizens of both places and serves <br /> as a liaison for exchanging information and other <br /> Lifestyle and practical values. <br /> A sister city relationship is established by adopting a <br /> council resolution and the signing of a formal <br /> agreement between the mayor of the County of Hawaii <br /> and the appropriate public official of the proposed <br /> sister city that ties exist. <br />