HI SCR241

Establishes a formal sister-state relationship between the State of Hawaii and the Prefecture of Yamaguchi, Japan.

Recognizes the shared history between Hawaii and Yamaguchi dating to 1885-1894, when 10,424 government-sponsored Japanese laborers from Yamaguchi immigrated to Hawaii under the Hawaiian-Japanese Labor Convention of 1886.

Notes Hawaii currently maintains 18 sister-state relationships, including relationships with five of Japan's prefectures, and cites ongoing cultural and academic exchanges including fisheries training, tourism, and study abroad programs with Kauai Community College.

Directs transmission of certified copies of the resolution to the U.S. Secretary of State, Japanese Embassy in Washington D.C., Hawaii Governor, Yamaguchi Prefecture Governor, Japanese Consul General in Hawaii, Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, and the Hawaii Sister-State Committee Chairperson.

Aims to expand tourism, strengthen cultural bonds, and advance international peace and cooperation between Hawaii and Yamaguchi.