HI SCR47

Establishes a sister-state relationship between Hawaii and Okayama Prefecture, Japan, making Okayama the seventh Japanese prefecture to have such a relationship with Hawaii.

Hawaii and Okayama share historical ties dating back to 1868 when the first Japanese immigrants (Gannenmono) arrived in Hawaii, including Sentaro Ishii, a samurai from Okayama who settled on Maui.

The Hawaii Okayama Kenjinkai has fostered cultural connections since 1927, and Okayama operated 52 charter flights carrying over 12,000 passengers between Okayama Airport and Honolulu from 1991 to 2018.

The relationship aims to expand tourism, trade, educational exchanges (including between Okayama University and UH Manoa), sustainable agriculture collaboration, and workforce development opportunities.

The Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission reviewed and recommended approval of this relationship pursuant to section 229-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes.