Pingtung Delegation Commemorates 32nd Year as Maui’s Sister County

By Maui Now Staff

An official delegation from Pingtung County, Taiwan, Republic of China, met earlier this month with Mayor Alan Arakawa, County Council members and representatives from the Maui County Sister City Foundation to commemorate 32 years as sister counties.

A welcome ceremony was held at the Mayor’s Conference Room, during which, Mayor Arakawa proclaimed Monday, Dec. 15, 2014, as “Pingtung County Day.” He thanked the delegation of 13 government officials, educators and students for their visit to Maui.

“This type of inter-cultural relationship allows us to learn from one another, and fosters business, educational and cultural exchanges,” said Mayor Arakawa. “We celebrate this milestone of 32 years as Sister Counties, and look ahead to a productive and prosperous future.”

Mayor Alan Arakawa and Pingtung Sister County Chairmen Alexander C.H. Chang and Elizabeth H.T. Hsu hold a Taiwan flag on the front lawn of the County Building to mark the occasion of the Pingtung delegation’s visit. Photo courtesy County of Maui.

Pingtung and Maui County’s key industries are closely related, including tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, biotech, high technology and cultural attractions.

Pingtung’s natural beauty is also similar to that of Maui County.

The delegation, led by Pingtung Sister County Chairmen Alexander C.H. Chang and Elizabeth H.T. Hsu, visited Chinese cultural landmarks on Maui, including monuments and displays in

ʻĪao Valley, Lahaina, Kēōkea and Kula, dedicated to revolutionary leader Sun Yat Sen. The visitors also learned about the Hawaiian culture, Maui’s natural environment and educational opportunities for higher learning.

For more information on the Maui County Sister Cities Foundation, visit www.mauicountysistercities.org.