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Mtn��..; <br /> COUNTY OF HAWAII - •'P '-'�-�.'V/_•; STATE OF HAWAII <br /> RESOLUTION NO. 197 12 <br /> A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SISTER-CITY <br /> RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LA REUNION AND THE COUNTY OF HAWAII,AND <br /> AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII TO ENTER INTO A <br /> FORMAL SIGNED AGREEMENT. <br /> WHEREAS,the Mayor of the County of Hawai`i and the Hawai`i County <br /> Council have jointly promoted a Sister-City program to develop friendship and understanding <br /> among local governments of the world; and <br /> WHEREAS,the Sister-City program is a benefit to the people of the affiliated cities <br /> through the exchange of information concerning economic development, educational programs, <br /> agricultural pursuits, cultural exhibits and other matters of common interest; and <br /> WHEREAS, contact has been made between officials of the government of <br /> La Reunion and the County of Hawai`i to discuss the establishment of a Sister-City relationship <br /> between La Reunion and the County of Hawai`i; and <br /> WHEREAS, La Reunion is a French island with a population of about 800,000 located <br /> in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, about 200 kilometers (120 miles) south west of <br /> Mauritius, the nearest island; and <br /> WHEREAS,both islands are isolated within vast oceans and are situated over volcanic <br /> hot spots located on United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization <br /> (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites; and <br /> WHEREAS, La Reunion's active volcano, Piton de la Fournaise ("Peak of the Furnace") <br /> stands 8,632 feet above sea level and like the Kilauea volcano, it is a"shield" volcano; and <br /> WHEREAS, La Reunion and Hawaii Island are said to be the most beautiful islands in <br /> their respective island chains, with tourism as a major contributor to economic success; and <br /> WHEREAS,the two islands also share other similarities including a multicultural <br /> population, dense rainforests, and green sand beaches; and <br /> WHEREAS, this resolution will be supported with a signed service agreement citing <br /> agreed upon responsibilities for the County of Hawai`i, La Reunion, and the La Reunion sister- <br /> city goodwill ambassadors and liaisons, Alain and Marie Gerente; now, therefore, <br />