Representing the Hawai‘i State Senate, Senator Ronald Kouchi welcomed members of the Federation of Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly during a formal meeting at the State Capitol. The 15 members of the Assembly were in Hawai‘i as part of the Hawai‘i-Fukuoka sister-state relationship established in 1981.
“After the missile scare this past weekend, it just underscores the importance of having strong allies and our continued striving together for peace and not war, so welcome,” said Senate President Kouchi, referring to the false ballistic missile threat alert that frightened residents statewide on January 13.
Over the years, the sister-state relationship has been successful in promoting tourism and providing economic benefits for both Hawai‘i and Fukuoka. As part of their tradition, representatives from Fukuoka’s Prefectural Assembly travel annually to attend the Opening Day of the Hawai‘i State Legislature.