HI SCR201

Request the Hawaii Sister-State Committee to evaluate and develop recommendations for establishing a sister-state relationship between Hawaii and Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Committee must report findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2016 Regular Session.

Cite Hawaii's history of maintaining sister-state relationships since 1981, currently with sixteen sister states including four Japanese prefectures.

Identify Hokkaido as Japan's largest and northernmost prefecture with significant tourism connections to Hawaii through winter recreation and cultural activities.

Direct transmission of certified copies to the U.S. Secretary of State, Japanese Embassy, Governor of Hokkaido, Japanese Consul General in Hawaii, Hawaii Governor, and Committee Chairperson.