By Staff Reports
(Maui)- Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa and officials from the City of Miyakojima, Okinawa, recognized a 50 year sister city anniversary today with the planting of the purple bougainvillea, Miyakojima’s City’s official plant, at the front lawn of the Kalana O Maui County building.
The County of Maui first established a sister-city relationship with Hirara City on Miyako Island back in 1965. In 2005 Miyako Island’s Hirara City merged with Gusukube, Irabu, Ueno and Shimoji and formed Miyakojima.
Throughout the 50 years Maui County and Miyakojima City have strengthened their bonds through cultural, business and economic exchanges, promoting goodwill among both communities.
“We have thousands of Okinawan descendants living here on Maui, myself included,” said Mayor Alan Arakawa. “Besides that our two communities are much alike as far as climate, economy and the challenges of living upon an island go. We look forward to another 50 years as both Maui and Miyakojima help each other to thrive in the 21st century.”
On hand to take part in the ceremonial planting were Mayor Arakawa, Managing Director Keith Regan, Miyakojima Vice Mayor Nagahama Masaharu, Miyakojima City Council Chairman Maeshiro Norihiko and Maui County Sister City Chairman Richard Minatoya.