Dozens Attend Sister City Signing Ceremony for Kaua‘i and Davao

Several dozen attended a sister city signing ceremony for the County of Kaua‘i and the City of Davao at the Mo‘ikeha Courtyard in Līhu‘e Sept. 10. Contributed photo

Several dozen attended a sister city signing ceremony for the County of Kaua‘i and the City of Davao at the Mo‘ikeha Courtyard in Līhu‘e on Sept. 10.

The signing with the City of Davao marks the fifth sister city from the Philippines that the County of Kaua‘i has affirmed since 1991.

“It is about partnership and creating and fortifying an open communicative atmosphere to induce a heightened exchange of ideas, particularly in tourism and culture, agriculture, and trade and commerce,” Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said.

Representing the municipality from the Philippines was Mayor Sara Duterte and her delegation from Davao City.

Davao Mayor Sara Duterte, Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and Kaua‘i County Council Chair Mel Rapozo sign a sister city agreement between the County of Kaua‘i and the City of Davao on Sept. 6. Contributed photo

“As the world continues to evolve, the challenges we face become increasingly complex,” Duterte said. “Now more than ever, there is value in learning continuously and in collaborating with others to find solutions to address concerns that we may face.”

In February, 2018, Carvalho visited Davao City Hall in the Philippines, where he attended a similar sister city signing ceremony which was hosted by Duterte and Davao City.

“Through these sister city relationships, I have had the opportunity to visit the Philippines and learn first-hand how Hawai‘i and the Philippines are separated by ocean but connected by our sense of family, and our dedication to build our youth, our connection to our culture and heritage, and our dedication to agriculture, tourism and other business and economic ventures,” Carvalho said.