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COUNTY OF HAWAII STATE OF HAWAII
RESOLUTION NO. 317 23
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SISTER CITY
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF HAWAII AND HATSUKAICIII,
HIROSHIMA PREFECTURE, JAPAN, AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE
COUNTY OF HAWAII TO ENTER INTO A FORMAL SIGNED AGREEMENT.
WHEREAS, the Mayor of the County of Hawaii and the Hawaii County Council have
jointly promoted a Sister City program to foster friendship and understanding among all of the
world, particularly those in the Pacific Basin; and
WHEREAS, viable and meaningful Sister City relationships benefit the people of the
affiliated municipalities through the exchange of cultural exhibits, educational programs,
agricultural pursuits, information relative to economic development of mutual interest, and other
matters of common interest; and
WHEREAS, many Japanese immigrants in Hawaii hailed from Hiroshima Prefecture,
leading to enduring connections and close ties between Hawaii and Hiroshima Prefecture, and
the State of Hawaii has further strengthened these bonds through a Sister State relationship with
Hiroshima Prefecture; and
WHEREAS, Hatsukaichi is a city located in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, and both the
County of Hawaii and Hatsukaichi are honored as homes to UNESCO (United Nations
Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Sites — the majestic Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park and the awe-inspiring Itsukushima Shrine — symbols of our shared
commitment to preserving and celebrating our unique cultural and natural heritages; and
WHEREAS, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce has an established Sister Chamber
relationship with the Hatsukaichi Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and
WHEREAS, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Kona Hiroshima Kenjin Kai, and
East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjin Kai are committed as the sponsoring entities to support and
nurture this Sister City alliance; and
WHEREAS, a number of esteemed businesses and community leaders on Hawaii
Island, with roots tracing back to Hiroshima Prefecture, embody the enduring connection and
potential for strengthened relations and synergies between our communities; and
WHEREAS, the primary focus of this Sister City relationship will be on economic
development, marking a significant milestone and commitment to fostering enhanced bilateral
economic growth, trade, and investment; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 31, Section 2-164, of the Hawaii County
Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended) ("the County Code"), the County of Hawaii may
consider the establishment of a Sister City relationship with Hatsukaichi based on the following
criteria: (1) shares a direct historical, cultural, or ethnic relationship with the people of the
County of Hawaii and (2) recognizes other common bonds that are mutually beneficial to the
citizens of both places and serve as a liaison for the exchange of information and other lifestyle
and practical values; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 31, Section 2-165(a), of the County Code, a
Sister City relationship shall be established by the adoption of a Council resolution approving the
establishment of the Sister City tie and the signing of a formal agreement between the Mayor of
the County of Hawaii and the appropriate public official of the proposed Sister City; now,
therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII that
pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 31, Section 2-165(a), of the County Code, it hereby authorizes the
Mayor of the County of Hawaii to establish a Sister City relationship between the County of
Hawai'i and Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the mayors of the County of Hawai`i and
Hatsukaichi are hereby requested to sign and execute a formal agreement to put into effect this
Sister City relationship.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall transmit a copy of this
resolution to the Honorable Mayor Mitchell D. Roth; the Honorable Mayor Taro Matsumoto of
Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan; and the County of Hawai`i Sister City Protocol
Officer.
Dated at Kona , Hawai`i, this 15th day of November , 2023 .
INTRODUCED BY:
CO CIL MEMBER, C UNTY OF HAWAI`I
COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAI`I
COUNTY COUNCIL ROLL CALL VOTE
County of Hawai`i AYES NOES ABS EX
Hilo, Hawai`i EVANS X
GALIMBA X
I hereby certify that the foregoing RESOLUTION was by INABA X
the vote indicated to the right hereof adopted by the COUNCIL of the KAGIWADA X
County of Hawaii on November 15, 2023
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
ATTEST: KIMBALL X
LEE LOY X
VILLEGAS X
7 0 2 0
Reference: C-542/GOEAC -80
C TY CLERK AIRPERSON& SIDING OFFICER RESOLUTION NO. 31.7 23
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