(BIVN) – The Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture, Hidehiko Yuzaki, and his a 14-member contingent joined Hawai’i County officials for a Commemorative Tree Planting Ceremony Tuesday morning at the Lili’uokalani Gardens Park in Hilo.

Governor Yuzaki is making the visit to Hawai’i Island to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the East Hawai’i Hiroshima Kenjin Kai.

A Black Pine was chosen for the tree planting ceremony. The gesture fosters The County’s Sister State relationship with Hiroshima Prefecture, says Mayor Harry Kim.

Hawai’i County Council Chair Valerie Poindexter and Thomas Goya, President of the East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjin Kai, were also present for the event.

According to the Mayor’s office, Governor Yuzaki made his first visit to the Big Island in 2010, soon after he was first elected, and last visited the island in 2012.

Following his visit to Hilo, Governor Yuzaki was set to attend the Japan-Hawaii Economic Summit at the Mauna Lani Bay Resort.