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Committee backs resolution commemorating 80th anniversaries of Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings
Summary
The committee approved Resolution 235-25 acknowledging the 80th anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, adopted a minor amendment to update names/titles in the recipients list, and will send the resolution to full council for final reading on Aug. 6 and 9.
The Committee on Government Operations and External Affairs voted to approve Resolution 235-25, which commemorates the 80th anniversaries of the World War II atomic bombings of Hiroshima (Aug. 6) and Nagasaki (Aug. 9) and reaffirms a county commitment to peace.
Malia Lewis, Sister Cities protocol officer in the mayor’s office and Sister Cities International program director, testified in support of the resolution and said the sister‑city movement grew from efforts to restore international municipal relationships after wartime devastation. "This is a prime opportunity for us to recognize and revitalize our commitment to this program," Lewis said, adding that Sister Cities ties have helped families reconnect to their roots in Japan and the islands.
Council Member Kaguada introduced the resolution and said she plans to help fund a peace pole in her district to mark the anniversary. After discussion, the committee adopted a proposed amendment to correct a few name and title references and to include additional local contacts for outreach; the amendment was moved by Council Member Kaguada and seconded by Council Member Houston and passed by voice vote.
Council Member Villegas said the anniversary is timely and urged attention to history as a guard against repeating tragedies. Multiple members thanked local Sister Cities volunteers and nonprofit partners for their work on peace initiatives.
The committee voted to forward the amended resolution to the full council with a favorable recommendation. The clerk recorded six ayes; Council Members Onishi, Tanya Lee Kleinfeld and Inaba were excused for the vote. The amended resolution is scheduled for full council consideration on the anniversary date.
