Mission

Promote friendship, goodwill and understanding between global communities by providing opportunities for the residents of Hawai’i Island and our sister cities to experience different cultures through education, social and economic interactions.

History

The Sister City Program, initiated after World War II in 1947, aims to foster cultural and commercial ties between cities across different geographical and political areas. Conceived as a way to promote peace and reconciliation, the program encourages friendship and understanding through various activities such as educational exchanges and cultural festivals. Founded by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 as part of the People to People Conference, the program has grown to include over 2,000 partnerships in more than 140 countries worldwide. It underscores the role of individuals and communities in building relationships that contribute to lasting peace and mutual respect, beyond governmental treaties.

Establishment

Article 31, Section 2 of the Hawai’i County Code institutes the criteria and formal procedures for the formation of a sister city relationship. A sister city relationship is established by the adoption of a council resolution and the signing of formal agreement between the Mayor of the County of Hawai’i and the appropriate public official of the proposed sister city that such ties exist.

County of Hawaiʻi Sister Cities Contact

Malia Louis, Executive Assistant: malia.louis@hawaiicounty.gov