Bill > HR106

This Resolution formally requests the Hawaii Sister-State Committee, a body responsible for evaluating and recommending new international partnerships for Hawaii, to explore and develop proposals for establishing a sister-state relationship with the Auckland Region in New Zealand. The resolution highlights Hawaii's history of international engagement, its desire to foster goodwill and economic ties, and the existing cultural and geographic similarities between Hawaii and New Zealand, noting their shared Polynesian heritage and similar island nation challenges. It also points to Hawaii's participation in Auckland's Pasifika Festival and New Zealand's strong educational system as reasons for potential collaboration, suggesting benefits for Hawaii's film industry, education, environmental goals, and exports. The committee is tasked with reporting its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Hawaii Legislature by a specific deadline before the 2023 legislative session.