Hawaii and Bali Officially Become Sisters

Posted on Apr 16, 2014 in International Relations, News

A photo of Neil Abercrombie and Governor Mangku Pastika at the sigining of Hawaii-Bali Sister-State relationship.Over 80 local and international government officials, business representatives and the Indonesian community in Hawaii joined Governor Neil Abercrombie during the signing of the Hawaii-Bali Sister-State relationship in the Executive Chambers on April 14, 2014.

“What an auspicious occasion that brings us all together for the signing of Hawaii’s sister in the Pacific, the Province of Bali in Indonesia,” said Abercrombie. “I am delighted that you are all here today as witnesses to this ceremonial signing of friendship between our two regions which are the two most beautiful locations in the world.”

Consul General Hadi Martono represented Governor Mangku Pastika, Governor of the Provincial Government of Bali, Republic of Indonesia  at the signing.

The sister state with Bali was the result of efforts by the Hawaii Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Rep. Gene Ward with DBEDT, the Hawaii Sister State Committee, formerly chaired by Rep. Romy Cachola and the House Committee of International Affairs Rep. Karen Awana  when the Bali application was first submitted and passed. 

Consul Endang D. Mardeyani and Vice-Consul Zufri Hadi were also in the Indonesian delegation for the sister-state signing and met with Gen. Wong of the Dept. of Defense; Dennis Ling of DBEDT; David Day, Richard Baker and Dr. Ronny Adhikarya of the Hawaii Indonesia Chamber of Commerce; and Rep. Gene Ward to scope out implementation of the agreement. 

The signing ceremony was followed by a celebratory reception hosted by the Hawaii Indonesia Chamber of Commerce. Traditional Hawaii and Indonesian music and culture were presented in honor of the completion of the sister-state relationship between the State of Hawaii and Bali.