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Home My WebLink AboutSister City Annual Report 2023 (4JUl , J H1 Hai 1 2023 1 .rvr M1+�* $IS T6 R: CITIES Sister City Program AnnualReport •��►'�-fib's �'2af�]'��c. Sumoto Sister City 20th Anniversary Cer I h 1 r � 7 I � I , 1 Yf i{, r web,. Prepared by www.hawaiicounty.gov/sistercity Jane Clement www.facebook.c©m/cohsistercities To the honorable Mayor Mitch Roth and honorable members of the Hawaii 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 prograa cornerstone of our cultural and educational exchange efforts. e have reignited our friendship with La Serena, Chile, and were delighted to host their Ballet Folkldrico, marking their inaugural performance in Hawaii.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 bands. 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 • 1 /111, 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii Visitor Bureau Executive Director Ross Birch, and representatives from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis of East Hawaii, 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 off apan 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. � 'i ud uo uuONllf w/� Sumoto City Celebrates Two Decades of Sisterhood with Hawai'iCounty in Grand Gala Event Ina glittering gala event that marked.the to,t anniversary of >>y ' the sister city relationship between Sumoto City and Hawaii County,Mayor Roth and Mayor Uesaki signed a reaffirmation agreement,renewing ties that have bound the 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'pandenic- induced postponement of two years. the round table discussion This historic visit the first by a mayor from Hawaii 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 Hawaii !� 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 youthful perspectives on the evolving sister city r relationship. l The delegation also participated in a meet and greet with the mayor,vice mayor,and the 18 council members,and nd's m` toured both Sumoto City and Awaji Isla ost cherished ne w v historic and popular destinations. 1 r / i The reaffirmation signing at the formal Pala not only ColllmelYlOTated the sister city anniversary but also Set the The delegation posing in front of the stage for'future collaborations and exchanges between the historic Sumoto Castle two cities. 1 r r r rr / r � l i !J r or ire 1 � i i r., Celebrating the longest running sister city affiliation of Hawaii County,Mayor Roth's delegation received a warm welcome from about too residents and officials, including Mayor Mitsuji,at the pier ofIzu Oshima.This >r r two-day visit had historical significance,not just for the 1�tr��!//� ��r/fir 6o-year anniversary but also as It marked the first time in mrv!✓ Wh aa � 35 years that a Hawaii Mayor has set foot on the island. A poignant moment of the visit was the signing of w " reaffirmation agreement at the memorial park,which 1" commemorates the victims of the tragic 2013 landslide. The delegation was touched by the unveiling of both- . anniversary memorial plaque,a surprise orchestrated b M r _ Mayor Mitsuji and the townspeople, r Both parties participated in a presentation on renewable energy,showcasing their mutual commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.The visit was also a cultural exchange,with the delegation touring the island and savoring local cuisine,deepening the bonds n i�l q of friendship that have lasted six decades. µ c' �(r 1 r h ` r + f 11�' u 9,ti Shibukawa City Hosts Mayor Roth in Celebration of Sister City Relationship if Deliveringon a pledge made in zo2z Mayor 1f1, ////%///%/ Roth visited Shibukawa City to Donor the 25th anniversary of sisterhood. Meeting Mayor Takagi in person, Mayor Roth 'celebrated the reaffirmation agreement, a symbol of continued friendship and collaboration. This commitment was part of the short but , significant visit to Shibukawa, coinciding with 'ry the vibrant Ikaho Hawaiian Festival. The 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 spots, was an affirmation of the cultural and civic greet, an omiyage (gift) exchange, and a dinner connections that have been fostered over a quarter reception with Mayor Takagi and the city century, and a reflection of the two communities' council members, dedication to maintaining and enhancing their long- .., ; standing relationship, E r,Vr 6 1 NE f � ��V+ I"Ji1ii! IGI4' 1 I r MI r MAYOR JOSH CABANGBANG JR. „„ J AND MAYOR MITCH ROTH CELEBRATE A DECADE OF SISTER CITY BOND In October 2oz2,Mayor josh Cabangbang Jr.of Cabugao City,Philippines,,and Mayor Mitch Roth of the County of Hawaii,celebrated a significant milestone in their cities'international ties -the zoth anniversary of their Sister City Agreement.The event was marked by a reaffirmation of their commitment to this enduring partnership. 04 on ,1;�' In a virtual gathering,Mayor 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 Hawaii Island.This reaffirmation served as a testament to the enduring strength of the relationship and its positive impact on both communities. r „, G USfll rid i�' • ri t 40 WIN 011 i oh9 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. IEXCHAHGIE In August 2o22, students from Na go City rekindled the student exchange program, paused during the pandemic, with a visit to Hawaii. Their immersive experience included English classes by retired x teachers and Hui Okinawa members, interactions with Hilo High School students, learning about Hawaiian culture, and meetings with local ` government officials,,fostering international ties and cultural exchange. 1 i Oaj l In March 2023, the exchange came full circle as Hilo High School students traveled to sister city Oshma Town.The visit brought face-to-face interaction with 1' Oshima High School students,building upon months of virtual engagement.The physical meeting enriched the already blossoming relationships, deepening cultural understanding and fostering a tangible bond between the distant peers.This exchange underscores the resilience and continuation of international friendship and learning amidst and beyond the pandemic's challenges. � � H r�, H „�� Mayor Mitch Roth Meets La Serena, hile's Mayor Roberto Jacob Virtually �!/J///u//G;fulJ/dlyyl,Jorlgduw/ni��i�.�,1✓/Iy�J�rynl�lllfUi�m✓mY91muY u1nJU r� i w/i �� "��° �,�.�� "Mai�N�yIA.��'��'��"k�"il��'rt�"`��"'�� .,�"N>� .'"i�"��K ��r;�"n i�",��'�I �i�,' �' �� w,4�'�;'i�"1�tiU '�� >n"'«r��""'rG',,,��'�`1'"'��'��f�� „��➢ �t In a display ofinternational camaraderie,Hawaii County's Mayor Mitch Roth and La Serena,Chiles Mayor Roberto Jacob convened for the first time via a virtual Zoom meeting on August 31,2o22,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 offostering 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, r , f �a i �✓// ,�, ,,, It-li�i��qiy�')i � iv �aw�u � �� II Jlll..11llmu�pv"9PWVoou �� UfV11UI11 ' ' /lll�/1� i . �. r % JJ1 z. Jb i r, ail i / ✓J ,e y ru �I "�� 1 r,. r �w ,u r A DANCE BETWEEN CULTURES : LA SERENA BALLET FOLKLORICO'S MEMORABLE HAWAVI VISIT "We're profoundly thankful for;the For the first time,La Serena Ballet Folkl6rico visited Hawaii,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 ofHawaii at Hilo Performing Arts and the recognition as Center and Kahilu Theatre in Waimea.Their performances,echoing the mystical artists. Sharing our tales of the Diaguita and broader Chilean cultures,mesmerized audiences. Chilean heritage with But their journey was not confined to the stages;the group ventured into Hawaii ►•+s welcoming, Hawaii'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, r Sister City Display Unveiled at Sister City Program Director Jane This display stands as a beacon of Kona International Airport Clement,County Council Vice Chair internationalhannony,underscoring the Holeka Inaba and members of the strength found in global togetherness and In December 2o22,the Ellison Japanese Chamber of Commerce and the enriching tapestry of the County of Qnizuka Kona International Airport Industry of FIawai`i,marked a Hawaii'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 Hawaii and the State Department ofTransportation Airports Division,it was realized thanks to the collaborative efforts of Hawaii District Manager Chauncey Wong Nguyen and Assistant Airport Superintendent Cy 1 r Duuauchelle. Y Crafted by County Carpenter Jamie Tonini,the display case houses a curated selection OfnlementflS and information, hi each piece narrating the rich interconnected histories ofHawai`iand its sister cities.It's not just a testament to international friendships but also an hy�; educational journey for travelers, offering insights into the global i partnerships Hawaii has cultivated The unveiling,attended by Mayor Mitch Roth,Deputy Managing f Director Bobby Command, /%i Hawaii County and Japan's Sister Cities Unite for Sustainable Tourism In March 2023, a transforrnative webinar was hosted by the Sister City Program, partnered with Research and k r Development and Japanese sister cities, focusing on the theme, "From Inspiration to Implementation: Best f Practices for Sustainable Tourism". Hawaii County's o Tourism Specialist Frecia Cevallos joined by I I representatives from Kumej ma, Yurihama, Oshima, and p Sumoto cities,shared insights on integrating sustainability into tourism. - , Key discussions revolved around the development of sustainable tourism products, engagement of local communities, ;and the balance between tourism growth, environmental protection, and social responsibility. The emphasis wasplaced on the crucial role of collaborative efforts and partnerships in overcoming challenges and innovating solutions. This enlightening session underscored the importance of collective action, offering a pathway to transform 11191SHR MQW inspiration into tangible, sustainable tourism practices, and highlighting the indispensable role of community engagement and international collaboration in this www.hawvalicounty..gov/sistercities 808.323- 441 journey, English and Japanese versions of the webinar can be found on our website at wwwhawaiicounty.gov/sistercities, �� '(✓��+,�� obi ' i1 ��VVVV"tii�llilll' � ` ;�'�� i� �; ��!�////�; !;� %%,,,,%''; %„� �,/' /' nj �P.. �; n ° Ili f % � ;%��r ✓/ � r ; , / G �f/ � '�I /�� it Ir" ur r�'�➢� �I.1' �� A�%� �° a Ilfl" iN,, �ll�/� ,/+�NyIWMIYI�IIyIi�I�Ij��i^�i�f%4iN�V�julrN,��rO�u(�(1'�((v�{, r N , r � r '8 UPCOMING EVENTS in 2023IV • Hawai`i-Japan Sister State and City Summit July 27-28, 2023 Honolulu, Hawaii • Japanese Sister City Goodwill Visit to Hawaii Island July 29-30, 2023 Hawaii Island • Japanese Student Exchange Visits toHawai`i 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 Proud member of zj�isterCities I N T E R N A T 1 0 N A L ---------------- Ij �1 %D r l Dii/i t ur a m r r, ,A i o ,