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COURTESY KAUAI COUNTY
A buoy from Onahama Bay, the port serving Iwaki City, Japan, washed up near Kauai and was turned into a memorial commemorating the 2011 Japan tsunami. Iwaki City is a sister city to Kauai.
ELEELE, Kauai >> Kauai County is putting tsunami debris from its Japanese sister city on display.
The buoy from Iwaki City was discovered in waters west of Kauai in January 2013 by a Navy vessel affiliated with the Pacific Missile Range Facility.
The Japanese Consulate in Honolulu confirmed the buoy was tsunami debris originating from Onahama Bay, the port serving Iwaki City.
Two interpretive signs now front the buoy at the Port Allen Marina Center. One explains the hazards of marine debris. The other outlines the buoy’s journey across the Pacific after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
The county on Monday held a blessing and dedication ceremony for the display. Iwaki City officials were among those attending.
Mayor Bernard Carvalho says the monument is a symbol of friendship and goodwill.
