The 2026 Hawaii – Japan Sister Summit held on May 20-21, 2016, brought together more than 400 leaders, innovators and changemakers to discuss future partnerships between Hawaii and Japan to respond to shared challenges.  A topic discussed in the breakout discussions was “One Health for All: Health, Sustainability and Shared Learning”.   The concept of One Health—which recognizes the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment—has deep roots in the cultural practices and philosophies of both Hawaiʻi and Japan.  

Shown: L to R, Dr. Sandra Chang, Governor Josh Green, Governor Seitaro Hattori, Dr. Katey Pelican. Photo courtesy of Office of Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green

Shown: Governor Seitaro Hattori, Fukuoka Prefecture. Photo courtesy of Office of Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green

This session, moderated by Dr. Sandra Chang, Director of the One Health Program at the University of Hawaii, included presentations by Governor Seitaro Hattori of the Fukuoka Prefectural Government, Governor Josh Green from the State of Hawaii, and Dr. Katey Pelican, Director of the University of Hawaii Health Sciences Institute.  Governor Hattori has made the promotion of “One Health” a critical policy for Fukuoka Prefecture.  He described the introduction of One Health into public spaces, the development of One Health educational programs for elementary, high school, and university students, and Fukuoka’s leadership in international One Health forums.  Governor Green commented on One Health initiatives in Hawaii and discussed examples of how a One Health approach may be used to address future disasters, including the prevention of wildfires and improved responses to catastrophic flooding events.  He also highlighted the achievement of passing the innovative “Green Fee” bill, which will fund programs in environmental conservation, disaster resilience, and sustainable tourism in Hawaii.   Dr. Pelican described the relevance of the One Health framework for global health, citing successful case studies in various countries.  Following their presentations, the speakers discussed some of the challenges in promoting One Health in their communities and initiatives they are taking to address these challenges.  In closing, the governors expressed their continued commitment to the Memorandum of Understanding they signed in 2024 to promote One Health through cooperation between the State of Hawaii and Fukuoka Prefectural Government.

Shown: Dr. Sandra Chang, Governor Josh Green, Governor Seitaro Hattori, Dr. Katey Pelican. Photo courtesy of Fukuoka Prefecture.