Informing the Legislature that on June 26, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2474 HD1 SD2 CD1 (ACT 181).

This bill, signed into law as Act 181, authorizes the State of Hawaii to enter into nonbinding international cooperative agreements with foreign governments, regional bodies, and intergovernmental organizations. The legislation expands the legal definition of partnerships to include agreements with foreign nations and prefectures, moving beyond previous limitations that focused primarily on sister-state relationships. These agreements are designed to support state initiatives in areas such as agriculture, climate resilience, renewable energy, and education without creating legally enforceable obligations or constituting treaties. Additionally, the bill requires the Hawaii sister-state and international partnerships commission to evaluate how these new agreements will enhance key state goals and mandates transparency by keeping the agreements subject to public input.