Art Taniguchi, Honorary Consul General for Japan, KVBID President Eric von Platen Luder and Barbara Kossow from the County of Hawaii. (Photo courtesy of KVBID)

MEDIA RELEASE

Many groups worked together to organize the March 11 Tsunami Commemoration held in Kailua Village.

In addition to KVBID, groups helping with the commemoration included Ahuena Heiau Inc., Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, County of Hawaii, Hulihee Palace, Island Breeze, Kai Ehitu Canoe Club, Kai Opua Canoe Club, Keauhou Canoe Club, Kona Hongwanji Mission, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Mokuaikaua Church and Tui Tonga Canoe Club.

Mayor Billy Kenoi also was on hand for the Tsunami Commemoration.

Among many special moments, the commemoration included a ceremonial exchange of aloha between the citizens of Japan and the communities of West Hawaii.