WHEREAS, 30 years ago, in 1981, Olympia, Washington and Kato (formerly Yashiro), Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, became sister cities; and
     WHEREAS, The friendship between the two cities has flourished, grown steadily, and deepened over these 30 years; and
     WHEREAS, During these 30 years, there have been regular, annual adult exchanges and, for the last 20 years, annual student exchanges, resulting in approximately 600 adult exchange visits and approximately 400 student exchange visits; and
     WHEREAS, Steady and enthusiastic leadership for these exchanges has been provided by the Kato (formerly Yashiro) International Association, and the Olympia-Kato (formerly Yashiro) Sister City Association; and
     WHEREAS, Many peoples' individual lives, and many community activities, have been enriched greatly, and sometimes altered significantly in positive ways, from learning about and participating in each others' cultures, histories, languages, educational institutions, and governmental processes; and
     WHEREAS, Kato City has honored the City of Olympia in the naming of a major arterial, and the City of Olympia has honored Kato City in the naming of a major bridge; and
     WHEREAS, The City of Olympia hosts a beautiful Japanese garden, and Kato City hosts a beautiful western style garden, each in tribute to their great friendship; and
     WHEREAS, Hundreds of citizens of each community have volunteered over the years to assist in the exchanges and in deepening the friendships between the two communities; and
     WHEREAS, The Hyogo Business and Cultural Center, in Seattle, and the Washington State International Protocol Office have each steadily encouraged and supported the development of this great friendship and other sister city relationships in Washington State and Washington's sister state, Hyogo Prefecture;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate congratulates Kato City and the City of Olympia for 30 years of sustained, active, enthusiastic sister city exchanges for both adults and students, and for the innumerable benefits it has created for each community and many individual citizens; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate commends Kato City, the Kato International Association, the City of Olympia, the Olympia-Kato Sister Association, the Hyogo Business and Cultural Center, located in Seattle, and the Washington State International Protocol Office for their outstanding, sustained leadership in promoting strong ties of friendship and intercultural understanding and appreciation between the City of Olympia and Kato City, and between the State of Washington and Hyogo Prefecture, Japan; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to: The Mayor of Kato City; the Mayor of Olympia; the President of the Kato International Association; the President of the Olympia-Kato Sister City Association; the Hyogo Business and Cultural Center; and the Washington State International Protocol Office.