SR 46 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

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

This bill establishes an official sister-state relationship between Hawaii and Okayama Prefecture in Japan, formalizing existing cultural and historical ties between the two regions. The resolution recognizes shared heritage dating back to 1868 Japanese immigration, including connections between the Gannenmono settlers and local communities in Okayama. It authorizes the transmission of certified copies to relevant government officials and organizations to facilitate future cooperation in areas like tourism, education, agriculture, and cultural exchange. This action does not create new laws or funding but serves as a diplomatic designation to strengthen institutional collaboration between the two jurisdictions.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Mar 10, 2026 Last action May 12, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
4
Committee
4
Apr 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
Report and Resolution Adopted.
upper
Apr 8, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported from WLA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3587) with recommendation of adoption.
upper
Apr 8, 2026
Upper · Passed
The committee(s) on WLA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WLA were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Inouye, Chang, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Lamosao.
upper
Apr 2, 2026
Upper · Passed
The committee(s) on WLA has scheduled a public hearing on 04-08-26 1:05PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.
upper
Mar 19, 2026
Committee
Referred to WLA.
upper
Mar 10, 2026
Introduced
Offered.
upper
5 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors