HI HB846

Directs the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to evaluate, make recommendations, and establish a sister-state relationship with the Department of Vosges, France.

Exempts the establishment from section 229-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Requires the department to submit progress reports to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the regular session of 2020 and each subsequent legislative session until the sister-state relationship is fully established.

Bases the relationship on historical connections between Hawaii and the Vosges region, including the 442nd Regimental Combat Team's liberation of Bruyeres and Biffontaine in 1944 and the existing sister-city relationship between Honolulu and Bruyeres since 1961.

Takes effect upon approval.