HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0542.001 2022-2024P GOFAC
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Kona -Kohala
� CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
October 30, 2023
Cindy Evans, Chair U
Susan Lee Loy, Vice Chair
Hawai'i County Council
West Hawai'i Civic Center —
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 —
Dear Chair Evans, Vice Chair Lee Loy and members of the Hawaii County Council Committee
on Governmental Operations and External Affairs,
Founded in 1968, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce works to enhance the quality of life
for our community through a strong, sustainable economy on Hawaii Island. With 465 member
businesses and organizations, our mission is to provide leadership and advocacy for a
successful business environment in West Hawaii.
We strongly support Resolution 317-23 that "approves the establishment of a Sister City
relationship between the County of Hawaii and Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan and
authorizes the Mayor of the County of Hawai'i to enter into a formal signed agreement."
On May 24, 2006, leaders from the Hatsukaichi Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce signed a joint declaration of a Sister Chamber agreement.
It was created 'in the hope of promoting friendly relations between the Chambers and goodwill
between Japan and the United States, through industrial, economic, and cultural exchange and
interface."
For the past 17 years, the sister chambers have participated in a variety of exchanges through
travel, meetings, dinners, receptions, donations, parades and larger events. The Hatsukaichi
Chamber annually brings an entourage to Hawaii Island to engage in the Kona Coffee Cultural
Festival. The Kona-Kohala Chamber has also sent delegations to Hatsukaichi.
Through these experiences, we've built lasting relationships and goodwill between our
chambers. We are excited to think this relationship will expand to a Sister City agreement
between Hatsukaichi and Hawaii County.
Please vote in favor of Resolution 317.23.
Sincerely,
Wendy J. Laros, President and CEO
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
Kona-Kohala f o Chamber Commerce Comm. N
75-5737 Kuakini Highway, Suite Chamber
of Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
www.kona-kohala.wm 1808-329-17581 info@kona-kohala.wm Ii To:
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