Business Development and Support Division

On July 10, 2015, Governor David Ige and Hawaii’s Okinawan community welcomed Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga and members of his delegation to Hawaii at a colorful cultural reception at Washington Place.

It was an auspicious occasion that joined together business, government and community representatives from both regions to celebrate and acknowledge Hawaii’s 30th Anniversary Sister-State Relationship with the Prefecture of Okinawa.

Hawaii and Okinawa have a long history of cooperation and collaboration in business, government, culture and, education. The many connections and professional relationships that have developed over the years between the people of Hawaii and Okinawa confirms the active and collaborative partnerships that have represented a true sister-relationship between Hawaii and Okinawa.

Energy was one industry area that Hawaii and Okinawa have been focusing on and discussed during the Hawaii-Okinawa Energy Innovation Forum that was held at the Hawaii State Capitol. There is also strong support and interest in increasing the exchange of students between universities and high schools to expand students’ global orientation. Student exchanges are an important means towards diversity and understanding of different world views in a global economy.

The event culminated with guests participating in kachashi, a traditional Okinawan dance and the singing of “Hawaii Aloha”, a warm and heartfelt Hawaiian song which together, symbolized and solidified the existing bonds of friendship and cooperation between Hawaii and Okinawa.