HI HR150

Request the Hawaii Sister-State Committee to evaluate and develop recommendations for establishing a sister-state relationship between Hawaii and Auckland, New Zealand.

Require the Committee to report its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2022.

Identify shared interests between Hawaii and New Zealand including cultural similarities between indigenous Hawaiian and Maori populations, comparable geographic challenges as island nations, and opportunities for collaboration in education, environmental protection, film industry, and exportable commodities.

Note that Hawaii currently maintains eighteen sister-state relationships but none with New Zealand, and that Hawaii has participated in Auckland's annual Pasifika Festival since 2014.

Direct certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Director of the Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and the Chairperson of the Hawaii Sister-State Committee.