HI SCR169

Establishes a formal sister-state relationship between the State of Hawaii and the Prefecture of Yamagata, Japan, recognizing shared historical, cultural, and economic ties rooted in Japanese immigration and ongoing exchange.

Encourages collaboration in economic development and trade, sustainable tourism, education and workforce development, agriculture and food security, clean energy and climate resilience, and cultural exchange.

Proposes four pilot initiatives: a Culinary and Agricultural Exchange Program, a Culinary Tourism and Cultural Showcase Program, an Education and Workforce Exchange Program, and a Sustainable Development Collaboration Program.

Requests the Governor or designee to work with Yamagata Prefecture to develop memoranda of understanding and implementation frameworks to advance the partnership.

Directs certified copies be sent to the U.S. Secretary of State, Japan's Ambassador to the U.S., the Governor of Yamagata Prefecture, the Japanese Consul General in Hawaii, and Hawaii's Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.