HI SCR146

Urges the State to consider initiating a sister-state relationship between Hawaii and the Spanish province of the Balearic Islands (Baleares)

Notes similarities between the two regions: both have populations around 1.2-1.4 million, are multi-island jurisdictions with tourism as the primary economic driver generating approximately $18 billion annually, and employ over 170,000 people in visitor industry

Identifies shared challenges including over-reliance on tourism, affordable housing shortages, environmental degradation and wildfire threats, water supply concerns, and dependence on imports for food supplies

Highlights that Baleares has implemented policies being debated in Hawaii such as quality tourism initiatives, short-term rental restrictions, visitor eco-taxes, development restrictions, expansion of public transit and bike infrastructure, and local food farming revival

Directs the state to conduct exploratory outreach with Balearic Islands leaders and focus the partnership on key issues impacting both regions