HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0598.000 2022-2024 Y
Mitchell D.Roth „t \i Lee E.Lord
Mayor , .,4'.,.,, Managing Director
Robert H.Command
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25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-821 1 • Fax(808)961-6553 w p(,...)
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy.,Bldg C • Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740 C)
(808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 CD X .
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November 7, 2023 ,
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The Honorable Heather Kimball
and Members of the Hawai'i County Council
County of Hawai'i
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
Re: Sister City Annual Report 2022-2023
Dear Chair Kimball and Council Members,
I am submitting this report pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 31, Section 2-166, of the
Hawai'i County Code: the County Sister City Protocol Officer shall submit an annual
report by July 31 of each year, covering the previous year's Sister Cities activities from
July 1 through June 30.
This report reflects our commitment to fostering international relationships that enrich our
community through cultural, educational, and economic exchanges.
The activities and initiatives we have done this past year significantly contributed to the
growth of our global community ties and have provided tangible benefits to the
constituents of our county. The report also outlines future objectives aimed at
expanding the scope of our sister city relationships.
I extend my gratitude to you and the County Council for your continued support of the
Sister City Program. I am confident that the sustained collaboration between the
Council and our Program will lead to further achievements in the years to come.
Submitted Respectfully,
ac5iiva4 j(i
J n Clement Comm. No. V
xecutive Assistant to Mayor Mitch Roth
Ref. To:
Ref. Date NV - 9 2023
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
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4,4---0--F,0:-.° SISTER CITIES
Sister City Program
Annual Report
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Suinoto Sister City 20th Anniversary Cer
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Prepared by www.hawaiicounty.gov/sistercity
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Jane Clement www.facebook.com/cohsistercities
To the honorable Mayor Mitch Roth and honorable members of the Hawai`i County Council,
I am pleased to present to you this comprehensive report,which details a series of milestones and
achievements within our Sister City Program over the past year.This document not only chronicles our
historic delegation's visit to Japan but also heralds the resumption of the student exchange program—a
cornerstone of our cultural and educational exchange efforts.
We have reignited our friendship with La Serena,Chile,and were delighted to host their Ballet Folklorico,
marking their inaugural performance in Hawai`i.The rhythms and dances of Chile have left an indelible
impression on our communities,further enhancing our multicultural tapestry.
Furthermore,we solidified our commitment with Cabugao City through the reaffirmation of our agreement,
emphasizing our shared values and the continued exchange of knowledge and goodwill.
In an era where travel has faced unprecedented challenges,we have found innovative ways to stay connected,
as exemplified by the sustainable tourism webinar with our Japanese sister cities.This platform has enabled us
to share insights and strategies to promote responsible tourism,which respects our natural resources and
cultural heritage.
Each segment of this report reflects not just the activities undertaken but also the spirit of cooperation and
mutual respect that is the foundation of our Sister City Program.Our achievements are a testament to the
resilience and dedication of our communities in nurturing these international bonds.
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for the Sister City Program.May we look forward to
more years of fruitful partnerships and shared successes.
Sincerely,
Jane Clement
Sister City Program Director
Mayor Roth Celebrates Milestones in Japan
with a Sister City Anniversary Tour
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In an extraordinary series of visits that served to strengthen international ties and celebrate
significant anniversaries, Mayor Roth embarked on a historic journey to Japan, solidifying the
bonds with three of Hawai`i County's sister cities.Joined by a distinguished delegation
including his wife Noriko, County Council Vice Chair Aaron Chung, Sister City Program
Director Jane Clement, Island of Hawai`i Visitor Bureau Executive Director Ross Birch, and
representatives from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis of East Hawai`i, the
mayor's trip was not just a formality but a heartfelt gesture of diplomacy and friendship.
This trip was more than a routine exchange; it was a rekindling of relationships that have
weathered time and global challenges, including the recent pandemic.As Mayor Roth and his
delegation traversed the breadth of Japan to visit Sumoto City, Izu Oshima Town, and
Shibukawa City, they celebrated milestones that underscored the mutual respect, shared
cultures, and common goals of their communities.
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Sumoto City Celebrates Two Decades of
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Nii*"MI L`" tt in Grand Gala Event
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,,,. "•- ^ n t, , ., In a glittering gala event that marked the loth anniversary of
t the sister city relationship between Sumoto City and Hawaii €
' , 4'` „r County,Mayor Roth and Mayor Uesaki signed a
,4 . ',, 4, ,, Oh 1,', reaffirmation agreement,renewing ties that have bound the
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two communities for two decades.The event,held in the heart
of Sumoto,was both a celebration and a testament to
` international friendship,taking place after a pandemic-
induced` postponement of two years.
Sumoto City high school students who participated in
the round table discussion
This historic visit,the first by a mayor from Hawai`i
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County in over ten years,underscored the special bond that
has flourished over the years.The Sumoto International
Friendship Association and the Kiwanis of East Hawai`i 1 t` :, _
have been pillars in nurturing this relationship.
Over two eventful days,Mayor Roth and his delegation, • ' ,
which included key figures from Hawai`i's civic and tourism ' ,
sectors,engaged in a variety of cultural and educational $
exchanges.A highlight was the round table discussion with -
local high school students,which provided a forum for
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youthful perspectives on the evolving sister city
relationshi e. ;,,
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Jlay-or Roth,Mayor Uesaki.Council Vice Chair Aaron
`: Chung and the Council Chair and Vice Chair of Sumoto
► 11: , City Council
o- The delegation also participated in a meet and greet with
the mayor,vice mayor,and the i8 council members,and
* - toured both Sumoto City and Awaji Island's most cherished
historic and popular destinations.
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_ The reaffirmation signing at the formal gala not only
commemorated the sister city anniversary but also set the
The delegation posing in front of the stage for future collaborations and exchanges between the
two cities.
historic Sumoto Castle
IZU OSHIMA AND HAWAI`I COUNTY MARK 60 YEARS OF SISTERHOOD
WITH A HISTORIC VISIT
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Celebrating the longest-running sister city affiliation of '
Hawai`i County,Mayor Roth's delegation received a
warm welcome from about too residents and officials, 111
including Mayor Mitsuji,at the pier of Izu Oshima.This °'
two-day visit had historical significance,not just for the ~ .' ` , ~ °
6o-year anniversary but also as it marked the first time in
3s years that a Hawai`i Mayor has set foot on the island. >.z j ;° , T ,
A poignant moment of the visit was the signing of a
reaffirmation agreement at the memorial park,which
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commemorates the victims of the tragic 2oI landslide. �"`'� °�'""
The delegation was touched by the unveiling of a both-
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anniversary memorial plaque,a surprise orchestrated by .
Mayor Mitsuji and the townspeople.
Both parties participated in a presentation on renewable . . .a om.
energy,showcasing their mutual commitment to x - ,. `4
sustainability and environmental stewardship.The visit ?,
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was also a cultural exchange,with the delegation touring
the island and savoring local cuisine,deepening the bonds ' 4,
of friendship that have lasted six decades. ��{ ,_, ,, .
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Shibukawa City Hosts Mayor Roth in Celebration of Sister City Relationship
Delivering on a pledge made in 2o21, Mayor 4m(
Roth visited Shibukawa City to honor the 25-th • k ' , , r
anniversary of sisterhood. Meeting Mayor 47+ 1 w i
Takagi in person, Mayor Roth celebrated the _*: ., : ,,n
reaffirmation agreement, a symbol of continued ,`•-,
friendship and collaboration. . ;
This commitment was part of the short but , "'
significant visit to Shibukawa, coinciding with '
the vibrant Ikaho Hawaiian Festival. The 'r
festival's opening day featured Mayor Roth and
The visit, which included a tour of Shibukawa's scenic
his delegation, who also engaged in a meet and
greet, an omiyage (gift) exchange, and a dinner spots, was an affirmation of the cultural and civic
connections that have been fostered over a quarter-
reception with Mayor Takagi and the city
council members. century, and a reflection of the two cities' dedication to
maintaining and enhancing their long-standing
relationship.
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• MAYOR JOSH CABANGBANG JR.
AND MAYOR MITCH ROTH
t, CELEBRATE A DECADE OF
SISTER CITY BOND
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a, m In October 2022,Mayor Josh Cabangbang Jr.of
: Cabugao City, Philippines,and Mayor Mitch Roth
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of the County of Hawai'i,celebrated a significant
milestone in their cities'international ties - the loth
anniversary of their Sister City Agreement.The
event was marked by a reaffirmation of their
commitment to this enduring partnership.
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In a virtual gathering, Mayor ' k x
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Cabangbang and Mayor Roth came
together to sign a reaffirmation ;.° ° - `,,,'
agreement, rekindling the spirit of
friendship and cooperation that has ��
defined the bond between Cabugao � '.� ,`,;
City and the Big Island. This �� 001 (��s �
reaffirmation served as a testament to p‘iesil;�' ! \ \
the enduring strength of the G
relationship and its positive impact on 19' ` 'Tr. ) Al
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both communities. ""`
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During the virtual gathering,not only did Mayor Cabangbang and Mayor Roth commit to continuing their cooperation and cultural
exchange,but the Big Island Filipino Community Council led by its president Miriam Guerrero also made a strong statement of their
continued support for this special relationship.They too signed an agreement reaffirming their dedication to fostering connections
between the two communities.
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O' In August 2022, students from Nago City rekindled
4 the student exchange program, paused during the
pandemic, with a visit to Hawai`i. Their immersive
�.; experience included English classes by retired
4 1J � " * teachers and Hui Okinawa members, interactions
8 .'`i. <Y't; with Hilo High School students, learning about
`: e �‘;*' F Hawaiian culture, and meetings with local
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cultural exchange.
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In March 2023, the exchange came full circle as Hilo ._,
High School students traveled to sister city Oshima
Town.The visit brought face-to-face interaction with ''"" !74!" " 0 `"'M'. ' ly
Oshima High School students,building upon months , 1
of virtual engagement.The physical meeting enriched • ``
the already blossoming relationships, deepening -
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cultural understanding and fostering a tangible bond
between the distant peers.This exchange underscores ' . t
the resilience and continuation of international • 3 �1 +,_
friendship and learning amidst and beyond the
pandemic's challenges. -- 't•4.;;�'to. `+' i - ' '+ . A. AI
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Mayor Mitch Roth Meets La Serena, Chile's
Mayor Roberto Jacob Virtually
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In a display of international camaraderie,Hawai`i County's Mayor Mitch Roth and La Serena,Chile's Mayor Roberto
Jacob convened for the first time via a virtual Zoom meeting on August 31,2022.The gathering highlighted the shared
values and visions of both communities,as the two leaders enthusiastically pledged to continue the sister city relationship
between Hawaii County and La Serena.Recognizing the importance of fostering strong global ties and promoting
cultural exchanges,both mayors also expressed their eagerness to visit each other in person in the near future.This
commitment underscores the profound benefits of international cooperation and friendship in an increasingly connected
world.
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A DANCE BETWEEN CULTURES: LA SERENA BALLET
FOLKLORICO'S MEMORABLE HAWAI'I VISIT
"We're profoundly
thankful for the For the first time,La Serena Ballet Folkldrico visited Hawai`i,bringing the
vibrant culture of the City of La Serena,Chile,a sister city of Hawaii County,to
cherished memories life on the prestigious stages of the University of Hawai`i at Hilo Performing Arts
and the recognition as Center and Kahilu Theatre in Waimea.Their performances,echoing the mystical
tales of the Diaguita and broader Chilean cultures,mesmerized audiences.
artists. Sharing our
Chilean heritage with But their journey was not confined to the stages;the group ventured into
Hawai'i's welcoming Hawai'i's iconic landscapes and beaches,absorbing the island's essence and
fostering a deep cultural exchange.This dialogue was enriched as the artists
community has been learned to dance the hula under the guidance of Kumu Lorelei Katahara from the
truly special." County's Arts and Culture Division of Parks and Recreation.
This interactive experience highlighted the visit's significance—a dance between
two diverse cultures,proving the power of art to transcend geographical and
cultural boundaries.
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Sister City Display Unveiled at Sister City Program Director Jane This display stands as a beacon
Kona International Airport Clement,County Council Vice Chair international harmony,underscoring the
Holeka Inaba and members of the strength found in global togetherness and
In December 2022,the Ellison Japanese Chamber of Commerce and the enriching tapestry of the County of
Onizuka Kona International Airport Industry of Hawai`i,marked a Hawai`i's international relationships.
became home to a special sister city celebration of unity and cultural
display case.A joint venture between the exchange.
County of Hawai`i and the State
Department of Transportation Airports
Division,it was realized thanks to the
collaborative efforts of Hawai`i District
Manager Chauncey Wong Nguyen and
,
Assistant Airport Superintendent Cy - 1
Duvauchelle. ' '" i
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Crafted by County carpenter Jamie '°
Tonini,the display case houses a curated xT,'`' -- ,
selection of mementos and information, 11
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each piece narrating the rich, w °
interconnected histories of Hawaii and
its sister cities.It's not just a testament to 7r 1. Itil
international friendships but also an � I
educational journey for travelers,
offering insights into the global
partnerships Hawaii has cultivated.
The unveiling,attended by Mayor
Mitch Roth,Deputy Managing
Director Bobby Command,
°-- Hawai`i County and Japan's Sister
Cities Unite for Sustainable
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S In March 2023, a transformative webinar was hosted by
,. ., the Sister City Program, partnered with Research and
Development and Japanese sister cities, focusing on the
EBINAR theme, "From Inspiration to Implementation: Best
= Practices for Sustainable Tourism". Hawai`i County's
rom Inspiration to Implementation: Tourism Specialist Frecia Cevallos, joined by
-, t Practices for Sustainable Tourism ".
:"'` representatives from Kumejima, Yurihama, Oshima, and
Sumoto cities,shared insights on integrating sustainability
y--., into tourism.
<.; I Key discussions revolved around the development of
sustainable tourism products, engagement of local
communities, and the balance between tourism growth,
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4; environmental protection, and social responsibility. The
,.. y emphasis was placed on the crucial role of collaborative
l- f ' . : "r efforts and partnerships in overcoming challenges and
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This enlightening session underscored the importance of
r 1 collective action, offering a pathway to transform
® 13 March,2023,3PM HST inspiration into tangible, sustainable tourism practices,
14 March,2023,10AM JST
and highlighting the indispensable role of community
engagement and international collaboration in this
O www.hawaiicounty.govisistercities 808-323-4441 0 journey.
English and Japanese versions of the webinar can be found
on our website at www.hawaiicounty.gov/sistercities.
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UPCOMING EVENTS in 2023
• Hawaii-Japan Sister State and City Summit
July 27-28, 2023
Honolulu, Hawaii
• Japanese Sister City Goodwill Visit to Hawaii Island
July 29-3o, 2023
Hawaii Island
• Japanese Student Exchange Visits toHawaii Island
Nago City, Sumoto City and Yurihama Town
August 2023
• Launch of'Ale Lau Loa -Global Youth Ambassador Program
August 2023
• Establishment of Sister City Agreement between Hawaii County and
Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima,Japan
November 2023
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