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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0016.002 2016-2018 8l O Z £ I UV °ma lea 7U�?J LJ :oj 'jab •oN •wwo, #0:04 1111141 109LOLLO ng -4-o-'51•511!!!!!!!!'' Wil Okabe • nn ��,I 1,�, Managing Director Harry Kim •:IIl� �' �1 '••I Mayor - '� - •._;---____-..= Barbara J.Kossow Deputy!Managing Director TEOi M►'�-" Countu Patuail (Miry offile 4 R nr 1+4 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553 co CD(—) KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy.,Bldg.C • Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740 (808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 C Z G") --i July 31, 2018 o-`c -n c-) Council Chairperson Valerie Poindexter 3 =rn and Members of the County Council -- County of Hawaiicp --- D Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Sister City Annual Report 2017-2018 Dear Chair Poindexter and Council Members: Pursuant to Article 31, Section 2-166, of the Hawaii 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 City activities from July 1 through June 30. This report will cover activities under Mayor Kim's administration from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. OSHIMA ISLAND, JAPAN Resolution No. 146-62, dated February 8, 1962. The Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawai'i (JCCIH) has agreed to be the supporting organization. November 16 - 19, 2017 Oshima Island's Mayor Toshihiro Mitsuji and five (5) delegates arrived in Hilo on November 16th to commemorate the 55th year anniversary of their Sister City relationship with the County of Hawaii. A signing ceremony of the Agreement Renewing and Reaffirming the Sister City Relationship was held at the Mayor's Office with Mayor Kim and Mayor Mitsuji signing the document. Members of the Japanese community and several of Hawaii County's Council Members also attended. During their four (4) day visit, Mayor Mitsuji and his delegation were hosted by members of the JCCIH who arranged various activities for the group including a Welcoming Tea Ceremony at Liliu'okalani Gardens, a visit to the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, and a dinner at the Hilo Yacht Club. County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. Chairperson Valerie Poindexter and Members of the County Council Sister City Annual Report 2017-2018 Page 2 0 . MO ts ,,,, A -.:,: j Q �„- -. { ll r� .« y+ ) \\ i,r,,o , t.,-;,..- - . tiA.tii, .1" p Jr ;; ,ii°;*gt::- :'‘I't I 1 e# . 4!"'"' i.; •1 ,-, . ,40%.t. II it* -..-rif aft g ,, :;;: ;.r, ,r♦ ck arr+1 r {t' y, 3 wit i% • as'`1"M 40. 4.4 , +� . " - '— Le�&4y, F' y The delegates also participated in Hilo's annual "Bunka No HI — Japanese Cultural Day in Hawaii" event where they marched in the Omikoshi Parade, performed and held a workshop on traditional Okinawan dances, and displayed cookie products from Oshima Island. February 2018 At the invitation of Mayor Kim, Mayor Toshihiro Mitsuji and his delegation returned to Hawai'i on February 2 to attend the Waimea Cherry Blossoms Heritage Festival where Mayor Mitsuji and Mayor Kim planted a Cherry Blossom tree on Waimea's Church Row to commemorate the 55th anniversary of sister city relationship. NAGO CITY, OKINAWA, JAPAN Resolution No. 154, dated April 9, 1986. The supporting organization is Hui Okinawa. August 2017 A group of twelve (12) intermediate aged students (ages 13-15) from Nago, Okinawa, along with their chaperones, visited Mayor Kim and his staff on August 16. The students all took part in presenting information about their hometown Nago City, its people, culture and traditions, and industries. They also performed a few traditional songs and dances. The students did their presentation in English to sharpen their language skills. The Mayor's office provided a bag of omiyage for the students who were grateful and appreciative. County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. Chairperson Valerie Poindexter and Members of the County Council Sister City Annual Report 2017-2018 Page 3 Mry -^ T. • lip lip ...,. ".' 1. . $ . '11t ' I B I? 0 t II N � R : .r « ya 4„,,,......., ... ft 4 ‘4- IA Gr ..4 0) , .. .v . ' `it March 2017 A letter was received by Mayor Kim from Taketoyo Toguchi announcing his election as the new Mayor of Nago City. Mayor Kim sent a congratulatory letter to Mayor Toguchi with assurance that the County of Hawai'i will continue to support their sister city relationship. June 2018 On June 4 & 5, 2018, approximately 30 students from the Waiakea Intermediate School Ukulele Band, led by their teacher, Mr. George "Iki" Camarillo, travelled to Nago, Okinawa for a cultural exchange with Nago high school students. The Waiakea students were welcomed by their host with traditional Okinawan performances and karate demonstrations. In return, the Waiakea students performed for their host followed by a ukulele workshop by Mr. Camarillo. Mayor Kim's office sent a box of omiyage to Mayor Toguchi along with a letter of appreciation for hosting the Waiakea Intermediate School Ukulele Band. LA SERENA, CHILE Resolution No. 324-94, dated November 30, 1994. (no activity) County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. Chairperson Valerie Poindexter and Members of the County Council Sister City Annual Report 2017-2018 Page 4 YURIHAMA CITY, JAPAN — Formerly Hawai'i-Cho Resolution No. 400-96, dated October 16, 1996. The supporting organization is the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii (JCCIH). October 2, 2017 Mayor Kim sent a letter to Mayor Masamichi Miyawaki to thank him and the people of Yurihama for their continued support in hosting the Hilo Intermediate School Builders Club during their annual visit to Japan as they learn first-hand about the Japanese culture, language, customs, and lifestyle. October 4 — 13, 2017 Fifteen (15) students from Hilo Intermediate School's Builders Club and two (2) chaperones and Ms. Amy Aoyagi of Kobayashi Travel, went to Japan for a 9-day student and cultural exchange. The students explored the town of Yurihama, where they visited its town hall, two Junior High schools, played a game of ground golf, participated in a workshop on chopstick-making and more. The students also experienced homestays with host families where they were briefly exposed to Japanese daily life, food, culture and shopping. SHIBUKAWA CITY, JAPAN (Formerly Ikaho-Machi) Resolution No. 16-97, dated January 27, 1997. The supporting organization is the Japanese Community Association of Hawai'i (JCAH). August 2017 From August 2 — 7, 2017, a delegation of six (6) members that included Japanese Community Association of Hawaii members. Mr. Ivan Nakano and Mr. Mike Miyahara, Managing Director Wil Okabe and Mrs. Merle Okabe, Council Chair Valerie Poindexter, and Council staff Kaci Tsuneda, travelled to Shibukawa City to attend the 2017 Ikaho Hawaiian Festival. Mr. Wil Okabe represented Mayor Harry Kim. This event is held annually which serves as a testimony and gesture of friendship between Shibukawa and the County of Hawai'i. The delegates experienced and enjoyed Japan's largest Hawaiian festival and hula competition which has become a summer tradition for the town of Ikaho, Japan. The delegation also visited the Shibukawa City Hall and were welcomed by Mayor Sadaji Akutsu and his staff. Mr. Okabe presented the Mayor with an omiyage of Hawaiian shirts and a handcrafted canoe paddle that served as a reminder of the HOkUle'a voyage around the world. Mayor Akutsu expressed affirmation of a continued sister city relationship and the importance of culture exchanges and long lasting friendship. • County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. Chairperson Valerie Poindexter and Members of the County Council Sister City Annual Report 2017-2018 :Page 5 SUMOTO CITY, JAPAN Resolution No. 282-00, dated August 9, 2000. The supporting organization is the Kiwanis Club of East Hawai'i. August 2017 On August 23 — 28th, twelve (12) students and eight (8) adults that included 2 government officials and 6 Sumoto International Association Officers arrived in Hilo on August 23 for their sister city visitation. The students were hosted by the Hilo High School Kiwanis Club and by local families while the adults were hosted by members of the Japanese Chamber Commerce & Industry of Hawai'i (JCCIH). p r r.. v.,,,.st )4,,,,,ive,,,,`,es,t,,,,t iffetreto4HT,.,\.,,,,,,,it,,,. ,,,1/ g it, , i I iii .. ..� .: .": 14 • fcl sR 6,4i ,. .. c‘. , .., , .... . , 4 :4': '4* . ,46, Ilfr' , 1 oak ' 1.: 4111:, ft ''''i, Y \PW:t:t,':::1:, gy k $may,, �, i..I Sr a. .w „ 00 01 I The delegation participated in various activities during their 5-day visit that included a courtesy call to Mayor Kim, a trip to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and a visit to Ke Kula '0 Nawahiokalani'opu'u Iki Lab Public Charter School. They also volunteered their time to community service at the Panaewa zoo, enjoyed cultural activities with their host families, and experienced after-school activities such as learning hula, making musubi, and playing robotics with their peers from Hilo High School. County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. Chairperson Valerie Poindexter and Members of the County Council Sister City Annual Report 2017-2018 Page 6 ,ze �s ^ ' ., r K cwt.: { ♦ j . (if'? !'k. ' * Aloha & Welcome! Sumoto City Friends x :" lit v44. t KUMEJIMA, OKINAWA, JAPAN Resolution NO. 42-11, dated May 17, 2011. The supporting organization is the Friends of NELHA. August 2017 In August, three (3) high school students from Kumejima came to the Big Island to participate in the Konawaena High School Ocean Technology Student Exchange Program. The program allows students to explore Hawaii OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion) to further their knowledge and to gain experience in the Hawaiian culture and scientific breakthroughs available here on Hawaii Island. The Kumejima students were hosted by local families where they also experienced local lifestyle, Hawai'ian culture, multi-ethnic food and more. October 2017 In October, three (3) students from Konawaena High School reciprocated the visit to Kumejima where they participated in a two weeks cultural and STEM exchange program. The students attended school with their Okinawan peers, toured the island to see the beautiful sceneries of Kumejima, experienced Okinawan culture, lifestyle, and made new friends from the other side of the world. The students wrote in their report that they were fortunate and "lucky" to have participated in the exchange program County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. Chairperson Valerie Poindexter and Members of the County Council Sister City Annual Report 2017-2018 Page 7 Note: Members of the Friends of NELHA are preparing to attend the 9th Annual Ocean Energy and Economic Development Symposium in Kumejima, Okinawa. The Kumejima Government will host the 2018 official symposium in September. This annual event mostly focuses on economic development opportunities, alternate energy options, sustainability and health and wellness. ORMOC, PHILIPPINES Resolution No. 77-11, dated June 15, 2011. The supporting organization is the Congress of Visayan Organizations— Kona Visayan Club and Hilo Visayan Club (COVO). On July 6, 2017, a 6.5 magnitude earthquake rocked Ormoc City, Philippines destroying hundreds of homes in the area. A few days later, an aftershock earthquake measured at 5.8 magnitude devastated even more homes and other structures. It was later reported that more than 700 homes were totally destroyed and more than 1,000 were partially damaged. On July 14, 2017, Mayor Kim sent a condolence letter to Ormoc City's Mayor Richard Gomez. GOKSEONG COUNTY, SOUTH KOREA Resolution No. 138-11, dated September 21, 2011. The supporting organizations are Hawaii Natural Farming, LLC, Cho Global Natural Farming-Hawai'i, Big Island Korean Club, Hilo Korean Christian Church. Kohala Intergenerational Center, Hawaii FFA Foundation and University of Nations. (no activity) LA REUNION, FRANCE Resolution 197-12, dated January 4, 2012. The supporting entity is goodwill ambassadors and liaisons, Alain and Marie Gerente. (no activity) CABUGAO, (LOCOS NORTE, PHILIPPINES Resolution No. 228-17, dated July 7, 2017. The supporting organization is the Big Island Filipino Community Council (BIFCC). On July 7, 2017 — the Hawaii County Council approved a resolution introduced by Council Chair Valerie Poindexter establishing a sister city relationship between the County of Hawai'i and the Municipality of Cabugao, Province of (locos Sur, Philippines. Cabugao was selected to be a sister city to honor and acknowledge the contribution of the Filipino men known as "Sakadas", who were recruited to work in Hawaii sugar and County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. Chairperson Valerie Poindexter and Members of the County Council Sister City Annual Report2017-2018 Page 8 pineapple plantations. Port Salomague, in Cabugao, was the port of departure for the Sakadas from 1906 until 1946. �9ts c. c',,, # u-4 .,$'fir},: ,t rwq ygra .a. '" ,v,;..,,.,�r, Y }1. '. +*..' ',' s'j 4 z:' f fir 3' r x } r +,r M, rt z * r / ' k g f y,a'i0.,.✓ 99,.E t', rh n 4.°rl Ili:':,';4�z a 3 �k , a ',ot'$ ` ¢* � rf ali 4 ".';'1,,'''-•;..",•`'i,"(' •••7','",:.!%:;,'"••'''''" ± "(' rem .mss-.„j. • .: - sA. 4,,,, *9' --.• /twit),rax iaku: .3......,..„....„, e �+ ta.aM.M.r.t Hyw..,v YMr W W9IPMYM Vqy S,...M..mws., Y 'sf 4,s'4'ct.tft .. I,`➢,d ,.a.lr 5 -^*MrJ? 4a$ymy yyraNJ ys:wyx,A.Yre w, m It x #€ iRY2tia ki 414t y•..'T .f lA •.. azsa,�.t rot 9 i s�A ch;:;Tr. ; ,.ams P. ., ....,"v i,,.,,,,,.;,,,,,,,, - ; kkr` .yk a s t" k On October 27, 2017, A Sister City Agreement was entered into and signed by Mayor Harry Kim and Mayor Josh Edward Cobangbang during a signing ceremony in Hilo. Mayor Cobangbang was accompanied by Cabugao Council Members Danilo Gasmen, Vicky Serna, Dr. Jemaima Tan-Yee and Josefina Vallego and student Julianne Ubungen. Members of the Hawaii County Council and the Hawai'i Filipino community were also in attendance. County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. Chairperson Valerie Poindexter and Members of the County Council Sister City Annual Report 2017-2018 Page 9 ..% *4 , r i .. IN ' ' *Itt:4:1*— -1,.......40, - liiiit IIF a.w 5 1F *0 The Cabugao delegation toured Hawaii Island with members of the BIFCC and visited the Sakada Museum in Honoka'a, the Sakada statue in Kea'au, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and around Ka.ilua-Kona. The delegates were also honored with a Kipaepai reception at Hawai'i Community College and a Barrio Fiesta celebration at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo. On February 8-15, 2018, a 22-member delegation from the County of Hawai'i, BIFCC and other members of the Filipino community, led by Council Chair Poindexter and Sister City Protocol Officer Rose Bautista, travelled to Cabugao, (locos Sur, Philippines to re-enact the signing of the Sister City Agreement. They also discussed the possibility of building a Sakada museum. While in the province, the delegation were hosted by the Municipality of Cabugao who arranged tours to visit various points of interest in the [locos Sur and (locos Norte regions. The delegations also visited a local national high school and the University of Northern Philippines to discuss potential student and cultural exchanges. County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. 1 Chairperson Valerie Poindexter and Members of the County Council Sister City Annual Report 2017-2018 Page 10 t ., . tw ', -, ci.„ ,,,ret, 4.• ic 400101#:1, ke.- 4. 4: ' - , i t; t r Yh , itt p ` (photo credit: Lenny Castillo) Since the return of the Hawai'i delegation, further discussions have commenced between the University of Hawai'i at Hilo and the University of Northern Philippines to establish a student exchange program. CONCLUSION With the newest addition of the Municipality of Cabugao, llocos Sur, Philippines, there are currently 11 Sister Cities with the County of Hawaii. The economic, cultural and educational exchange that Sister City relationships provide are invaluable to the people of our Island, as well as to our Sister Cities abroad. Mahalo for your continued support and participation in this program. Re : : tispofully submitted, r `.;� -,. 1 Rose Y. autista Executive Assistant to the Mayor Sister City Protocol Officer County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.