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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0405.000 2018-2020 l r r i < p QrF OF NAsi S,'-j-'lSS--'TERCIT YANNUAL RE--,-�,,PORT 2016-201 � O �iO�uaPin. �� RA Date AUG 0 2 2019 v° Wil Okabe it fanaging Director Harry Kim ;. i1/aor . Barbara J.Kossm •i' M°."'�`� Deputv Managing Director ,tf OF'HF'•ft VAIUUN of pai�nvl* Off tc of fhr nuar 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 Fax(808)961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy.,Bldg.C • Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740 (808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 July 31, 2019 The Honorable Aaron S.Y. Chung Qn and Members of the County Council County of Hawai'i Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 `=' C:)-< -n C--) r Re: Sister City Annual Report 2018-2019 _ C=) D_ m Dear Chair Chung and Council Members, Pursuant to 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 City activities from July 1 through June 30. The County of Hawai'i has 11 sister cities. This report will highlight activities under Mayor Kim's administration from July 1 , 2018 through June 30, 2019 beginning with the oldest to the newest member. OSHIMA ISLAND, JAPAN Resolution No. 146-62, dated February 8, 1962. The supporting organization is the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industries of Hawaii (JCCIH). October 2018 Mayor Toshihiro Mitsuji and the people of Oshima donated $18,274.22 to Hawai'i County for the benefit of Puna residents affected by the 2018 Kilauea volcanic eruption. Mayor Kim sent a letter of appreciation for their generosity and continued friendship. May 2019 Mayor Kim received a letter of invitation from Mayor Toshihiro Mitsuji inviting him to attend the Oshima Island Summer Festival on August 10-11, 2019. Mayor Kim sent his regrets. Mr. Dwayne Mukai of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Hawaii is scheduled to attend as representative of the Chamber and will deliver Mayor Kim's congratulatory message to Mayor Mitsuji and the people of Oshima. County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. The Honorable Aaron S.Y. Chung and Members of the County Council Sister City Annual Report 2018-2019 Page 2 June 2019 On June 17, a Sister City Service Agreement between the County of Hawai'i and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industries of Hawai'i (JCCIH) was signed by Mayor Harry Kim, President Stephen Ueda, and Sister City Protocol Officer Rose Bautista, designating JCCIH as the supporting community organization for this sister city. A copy of the signed Agreement will be hand delivered to Mayor Mitsuji by Mr. Dwayne Mukai and Mr. Tommy Goya of JCCIH when they attend the Summer Festival in August 2019 and affirm JCCIH's commitment to Oshima Island. NAGO CITY, OKINAWA, JAPAN Resolution No. 154, dated April 9, 1986. The supporting organization is Hui Okinawa. August 2018 '44'"` of• , _ .A w R A _ t J tLO,}>IAW {. V _ , , . _ From August 2 — 19, twelve intermediate students and two chaperones from the city of Nago visited ,iplUlll���f'f" Hilo. The students participated in English lessons, hula classes, coconut leaf weaving classes, and lau kapala classes. In addition, they visited the Imiloa Astronomy Center, Lyman Mission House and Museum, OTEC in Kona, and i A ( the Subaru Telescope Base Office. ' In their last week, the students spent time at - - ' Waiakea Intermediate School, St Joseph's Elementary and High Schools, and with Mayor Harry Kim and his staff. During their visits they shared various Okinawan dances through demonstration and audience participation with the host schools and with the Mayor's staff. County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. The Honorable Aaron S.Y. Chung and Members of the County Council Sister City Annual Report 2018-2019 Page 3 November 2018 Council Chair Valerie Poindexter, Councilmember Dru Kanuha, and members of the Hawai'i delegation to the 2018 Ocean Energy and Economic Symposium made a courtesy visit to meet Nago's newly elected Mayor, Taketoyo Toguchi, and to affirm the continued commitment of Hawaii County's sisterhood with Nago City. LA SERENA, CHILE Resolution No. 324-94, dated November 30, 1994. Ana Marie Maraboli Smith serves as its community representative. August 2018 This year marked the 4741h Anniversary of the 1544 founding of the city La Serena, Chile. Mayor Kim sent a Proclamation to the people of this sister city proclaiming the month of August, 2018 as La Serena 474th Anniversary Month. YURIHAMA CITY, JAPAN — Formerly Hawaii-cho Resolution No. 400-96, dated October 16, 1996. The supporting organization is the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii (JCCIH). July 2018 Community liaison Ms. Amy Aoyagi, Kumu Pele Kaio, and the Hawai'i Community College's Unukupukupu halau traveled to Yurihama to attend the 19th Annual Hawai'ian Festival held on July 7 - 8. The event brought people from all across Japan to enjoy and participate in Hawaiian performances shared by Kumu Pele and Unukupukupu. Members of Hilo halau also provided ukulele lessons and workshops in hula dancing and lei-making. The weekend culminated with a dynamic hula show performed by Kumu Pele and his talented group. r 9' Artmml Hagar IT) Yur#)ama m r * 144 7-8, County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. The Honorable Aaron S.Y. Chung and Members of the County Council Sister City Annual Report 2018-2019 Page 4 August 2018 Yurihama students visitation with host Hilo J, Intermediate School. Yurihama Vice-Mayor Masanori Kamei, Toshifumi Umezu, Prinicipal of E` Togo Junior High School, Shinya Fujisawara, is English teacher at Hokumei Junior High School and Julianna Keleher, Yurihama Town Office WelcomeYurihoma To Coordinator International Relations, were the Hawaii IIA` chaperones for the students from various Junior High Schools in Yurihama. They visited Hilo for their bi-annual "home and home" visit. Next year students from Hilo Intermediate will visit Yurihama. _ JCCIH provided a welcome dinner the first night of their visit. The Chamber also hosted the chaperones on sightseeing tours in East Hawai'i and a dinner at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. February 2019 Mayor Masamichi Miyawaki and Mr. Masato Ondo, Project Chief, mailed for (4) boxes of recycled Ground Golf equipment to the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawai'i. One of these boxes contained brand new equipment. All of the equipment plus the postage were paid for by the Yurihama government, courtesy of Mayor Miyawaki. The equipment was turned over to Roanne Okamura and Iris Higa, both of the Elderly Activities Division, Hawai'I County Parks & Recreation. Ground golf was developed in Yurihama in1982 as part of Japan's initiative to promote lifelong sports. March 2019 The County of Hawai'i received a generous donation of $9,245.22 from Mayor Misamichi Miyawaki and the people of Yurihama for the benefit of Puna residents affected by the 2018 Kilauea volcanic eruption. Mr. Masanao Inoue, former Mayor of Yurihama, also made a donation $80.44. Mayor Kim sent a letters of appreciation for their generosity and continued friendship. April 2019 Mayor Misamichi Miyawaki sent an invitation to Rose Bautista, Sister City Protocol Officer, to attend the 20th Annual Hawaiian Festival in July 2019, visit their city, and meet the people of Yurihama. Ms. Bautista accepted the invitation. County of HaNval'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. The Honorable Aaron S.Y. Chung and Members of the County Council Sister City Annual Report 2018-2019 Page 5 May 2019 .A W;.h Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawai'i members, Dwayne Now n11� Mukai, Carol Ginoza-Arikawa and Russell lattrratmral Ga;rE Golf O,e,,Pn deh .REoeotia� - -- Arikawa participated in the 2019 Yurihama International Ground Golf Open, held at Tomari Sea Breeze Hill, Yurihama-Cho, —_— Tottori, Japan. This event featured teams from Japan, S. Korea, China, Malaysia, Mongolia, Poland and the U.S.A. There were over 250 participants that played 4 courses over 2 days. A meeting was held ® to organize an International Ground Golf Association (IGGA) in the near future. A meeting is also being planned to provide Hawaii County's Elderly Activities Division (EAD) with the information that was gathered in Yurihama for future events in Japan along with information for the International GGA. AL SHIBUKAWA CITY, JAPAN (Formerly Ikaho-machi) Resolution No. 16-97, dated January 27, 1997. The supporting organization is the Japanese Community Association of Hawaii (JCAH). July-August 2018 From July 30 - August 4, 2018, a delegation of four members that included Japanese Community Association of Hawaii members Mr. Ivan Nakano and Mr. Mike Miyahira, Council member Sue L.K. Lee Loy and Mr. Ian Lee Loy, traveled to Shibukawa City to attend the 2018 Ikaho Hawaiian Festival, which is in its 22nd year. This annual event is a testament to the great bond between Shibukawa City and Hawaii County in the 150th anniversary of the first immigrants to Hawaii from Japan. County of Ha%vai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. The Honorable Aaron S.Y. Chung and Members of the County Council Sister City Annual Report 2018-2019 Page 6 The delegation also visited the Shibukawa City Hall and were welcomed by Mayor Sadaji Akutsu and his staff. Mr. Nakano and Mr. Miyahara of JCA and Councilmember Lee Loy presented various makana to Shibukawa City. Both Mr. Nakano and Mr. Miyahira expressed the firm commitment to continue the long-lasting relationship along with an equivalent message from Councilmember Lee Loy. Councilmember Lee Loy also spoke fondly of her experiences in Shibukawa and stated, "for this local girl, there's no place like home; but, I found a place just like home and it's called Ikaho." The delegations also attended various business meetings to discuss economic similarities and differences. Topics such as housing (affordable and short-term vacation impacts), waste management, transportation and economic stimulations are common themes. The government and businesses communities also expressed their opportunities and constraints as they look forward to hosting the 2020 Summer Olympics. December 2018 — May 2019 Fourth grade students at Waiakea Elementary School participated in the Student Artwork Exchange Program that was started in 2017 between Shibukawa City and the County of Hawaii. Our students worked on their artwork during the 2018 Fall Semester. Their artwork was sent to Shibukawa City during the Christmas break and put on display in Shibukawa City from February through March. Their artwork was returned in April. ' Artwork from Shibukawa City elementary schools were put on display at the r County of Hawaii's ' - Aupuni Center, from mid a April 2019 through late May 2019. r W/ . t ►` `a All participating students (Hawaii and Japan) received mementos from the County and the / Japanese Community Association of Hawaii, and gifts of school supplies from Shibukawa City. January 2019 Representatives from the Ikaho Hawaiian Festival and Shibukawa City came to Hilo and attended the Japanese Community Association of Hawaii's bi-ennial Shinnen Enkai and Installation Banquet. In attendance were Takahiro Omori and Seiji Sekiguchi from the Shibukawa Ikaho Onsen Tourism Association and Mamoru Nakazawa, Superintendent of Education for Shibukawa City. County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. The Honorable Aaron S.Y. Chung and Members of the County Council Sister City Annual Report 2018-2019 Page 7 The Shibukawa entourage also took the opportunity to meet with Luana Kawelu, President of the Merrie Monarch Festival, and several Kumu Hula. April 2019 Representatives from the Ikaho Hawaiian Festival and Shibukawa City, came to Hilo to attend the Merrie Monarch Festival April 25— 28. In attendance were Takahiro Omori and Seiji Sekiguchi from the Shibukawa Ikaho Onsen Tourism Association, and Hiroyuki Nakazawa, Councilman, Shibukawa City. While here, the group also visited Waiakea Elementary School to meet the teachers and students who participated in the Student Artwork Exchange Program, and helped to present the mementos and school supply gifts. SUMOTO CITY, JAPAN Resolution No. 282-00, dated August 9, 2000. The supporting organization is the Kiwanis Club of East Hawaii. October 2018 On October 4 - 8, 2018, fourteen students from the Kiwanis Club of East Hawaii and the Hilo High School Key Club travelled to Sumoto to participate in the Sister City Goodwill Student Exchange Program Visit. The students stayed with local families who shared their culture, lifestyle, and their beautiful city. They toured City Hall, participated in school activities with their host families, learned about Sumoto's farm products and visited a roofing tile manufacturing factory. The Hilo High School students had the time of their lives and thoroughly enjoyed the home stay experience and school activities. KUMEJIMA, OKINAWA, JAPAN Resolution NO. 42-11, dated May 17, 2011. The supporting organization is Friends of NELHA. August 2018 Three (3) students from Kumejima participated in the annual 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 Hawai'i Island. The Kumejima students were hosted by local families where they also experienced local lifestyle, Hawaiian culture, multi-ethnic food and more. County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. The Honorable Aaron S.Y. Chung and Members of the County Council Sister City Annual Report 2018-2019 Page 8 September 2018 The 9th Ocean Energy and Economic Development Symposium & Workshops was ►` , == _ , '` "� _ scheduled for September s / 3 28 - 29, 2018 in t.� 4p � Vf ;;� �- � � Kumejima. The Hawaii - delegation included Council Chair Valerie ' sr - Poindexter, Councilmember Dru h Kanuha, Ross Birch, Executive Director of Hawai'i Visitors Bureau and community leaders Dwayne Mukai and Tommy Goya. Due to typhoon activity in the region, the Symposium was cancelled. The delegation attended workshops on topics relating to the continued development and discussion on clean and renewable energy efforts. A meeting was also held with Japan Airlines executives to encourage tourism to Hawai'i Island in the aftermath of the Kilauea volcanic eruption. The 10th Ocean Energy and Economic Development Symposium & Workshops is scheduled for November 8 - 9, 2019 in Kailua-Kona. October 2018 Three Konawaena High School students travelled to Kumejima to participate in the annual sister city cultural and STEM exchange program. The students stayed with host families, 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. 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 (CO VO). (no activity) County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. The Honorable Aaron S.Y. Chung and Members of the County Council Sister City Annual Report 2018-2019 Page 9 GOKSEONG COUNTY, SOUTH KOREA Resolution No. 138-11, dated September 21, 2011. The supporting organizations are Hawaii Natural Farming, LLC, Cho Global Natural Farming-Hawaii, Big Island Korean Club, Hilo Korean Christian Church. Kohala Intergenerational Center, Hawaii FFA Foundation and University of the 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, ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES Resolution No. 228-17, dated July 7, 2017. The supporting organization is the Big Island Filipino Community Council (BIFCC). December 2018 The Big Island Filipino Community ,. Council (BIFCC) hosted Dr. Antonio - - Agustin, Director of External and International f. Relations, University of Northern '—• Philippines.(UNP), during a visit to attend the 2018 Sakada Day Celebration in Pepe'ekeo. Dr. Agustin was instrumental in introducing the Sister City delegation to the staff and faculty of UNP during their visit in February 2018 that led to the signing of a Mutual of Understanding (MOU) between UNP and the University of Hawai'i/Hawai'i Community College for the development of a student exchange program. County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. The Honorable Aaron S.Y. Chung and Members of the County Council Sister City Annual Report 2018-2019 Page 10 Dr. Agustin also met with leaders and staff from the University of Hawai'i at Hilo and Hawai'i Community College 1 (HCC) who welcomed him with traditional Hawaiian protocol. Chancellor Rachel Solemsaas and her staff held a meeting with Dr. Agustin to ^ discuss the possibility of donating used ; 3 medical books and equipment from HCC to UNP. Dr. Agustin was also • ' _ r3 .,' given a tour of Ka Haka `Ula O _ Ke'elikolani College of Hawai'ian Language. v Members of the Big Island Community Council drove Dr. Agustin to different parts of the island to show him where the Sakadas lived and worked in Hawai'i. He also visited Honokaa town and visited the North Hawai'i Educational Resource Center (NHERC) where a collection of artifacts and pictorial history of the Sakadas are displayed. There were also discussions to incorporate the Sakada story in Philippines history classes at UNP. CONCLUSION There are currently 11 Sister Cities with the County of Hawai'i. 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. T pectfully submitted, Rosey'. Ba fista Executive Assistant to Mayor Harry Kim Sister City Protocol Officer Note: The Office of the Mayor would like to acknowledge and thank Councilmember Valerie Poindexter, Councilmember Sue Lee Loy, Mr. Thomas Goya, Mr. Russell Arikawa, and Mr. Michael Miyahira, for contributing to this report. County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.