ESTABLISHING A SISTER-STATE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE OF HAWAII, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND THE PREFECTURE OF OKAYAMA, JAPAN.

This bill establishes a formal sister-state relationship between the State of Hawaii and the Prefecture of Okayama in Japan, creating an official framework for ongoing cooperation between the two regions. The resolution, which requires no new funding or legal changes, authorizes the transmission of certified copies to relevant government officials and international partners to formalize the partnership. It recognizes existing historical ties dating back to 1868, including Japanese immigration to Hawaii and decades of grassroots exchanges, while outlining shared interests in tourism, agriculture, education, and cultural preservation. The Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission recommended this relationship based on mutual benefits for residents, businesses, and communities in both jurisdictions.