Multiple Maui County sources report that Mayor Richard Bissen formalized a Friendship City agreement with Higashimatsushima City, Japan, during a signing ceremony at the Kalana O Maui County building on July 8. The partnership, rooted in shared disaster recovery experiences, grew from the Kibou for Maui program connecting Lahainaluna High School students with the Japanese city following the 2023 Maui Wildfires.
- Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen and Higashimatsushima Mayor Iwao Atsumi signed a formal Friendship City agreement on July 8, 2026.
- The relationship originated through the Kibou for Maui program, which connected Lahainaluna High School students with Higashimatsushima residents to learn from their long-term disaster recovery experience.
- Higashimatsushima lost 1,110 lives and still has 23 people missing from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.
- The agreement includes commitments to cooperation in disaster preparedness, disaster risk reduction, educational and youth exchanges, cultural exchange, and mutual assistance during future disasters.
- Both mayors framed the agreement as a framework for sharing best practices in local government and economic development.
Sources
- Maui County: Maui County, Higashimatsushima City, Japan, formalize Friendship City agreement
- Maui County: Maui County, Higashimatsushima City, Japan, formalize Friendship City agreement
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