Hawaii-Fukuoka Sister State Relationship

In November 1979, the Japan-American Conference of Mayors and Chamber of Commerce Presidents held a meeting in Fukuoka City, Kyushu, Japan.  The Governor of Fukuoka, Hikaru Kamei, suggested a sister-state relationship between Hawaii and Fukuoka.

In September, 1981, a Fukuoka delegation of 850 people came to Hawaii during the Aloha Week Festival.  On September 25, 1981, Governor George R. Ariyoshi of Hawaii and Governor Hikaru Kamei of Fukuoka signed the document establishing a sister-state relationship to promote goodwill and understanding between Hawaii State and Fukuoka Prefecture and for educational and cultural exchange.