Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii - A special signing ceremony including officials from Maui Nui and Rapa Nui will be held on Thursday, May 21, 1998. The ceremony will begin at noon at Moku`ula in Kamehameha Iki Park, Lahaina, and will end at the beachfront lawn at 505 Front Street shortly thereafter.

The Honorable Petero Edmunds Paoa, Mayor of Hangaroa, Rapa Nui, along with other Rapa Nui delegates will participate in the ceremony along with various County officials.

Councilmember Sol Kaho`ohalahala has taken the lead in renewing a relationship that began in ancient times.

"There is evidence of a relationship in the oral and spiritual traditions of both islands," Kaho`ohalahala said. "The people of Rapa Nui have referred to Motu Ura in their oral traditions. Motu Ura is known here as Moku`ula."

The event will begin with extending a formal greeting to Mayor EdmundsPaoa, in accordance with cultural protocol. Representing Hawaii will be Kumu Kale Kaupu, Kumu Akoni Akana, Kumu John Lake, Kumu Hokulani Holt-Padilla, Kumu Cliff Ahue, Kupuna Pua Lindsey and Kupuna Mahi Poepoe. Representing Aotearoa, also known as New Zealand, will be Iwi Henare. Tonga will be represented by Penisimani Taufa. Chief Vaifale Tevaga will represent Samoa. Mahina Rapu will represent Rapa Nui, while Akoni Akana represents Maui Nui.

The actual document signing will take place on the beachfront lawn at 505 Front Street. In addition to the signing of a formal agreement by officials from both islands, the public will be encouraged to sign a second document to officially state their support for the sister-island relationship.

"There are countless benefits of renewing a sister-island relationship with Rapa Nui," Kaho`ohalahala said. "We encourage everyone to participate in this historic, cultural event."

For more information, call Councilmember Kaho`ohalahala at (808) 243-7106.