Bill > HCR197

This concurrent resolution establishes a sister-state relationship between the State of Hawaii and Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, recognizing their shared historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties, as well as Japan's importance as an international partner for Hawaii in areas like tourism and trade. The resolution highlights the culinary similarities between the two regions, with Yamagata known for its premium agricultural products and Hawaii for its multicultural foodways, and notes their common priorities in sustainable tourism, workforce development, food security, clean energy, climate resilience, and cultural preservation. To formalize this partnership, the resolution encourages collaboration in economic development, sustainable tourism, education, agriculture, clean energy, and cultural exchange, proposing initial pilot initiatives such as culinary and agricultural exchanges, tourism showcases, education and workforce exchanges, and sustainable development collaborations. The goal is to expand economic opportunities, strengthen tourism, support workforce development, enhance food security and culinary excellence, deepen cultural understanding, and promote climate resilience and sustainable community development, with the Governor of Hawaii requested to work with Yamagata Prefecture to develop formal agreements to advance this relationship.