Bill > SR160

This resolution establishes a sister-state relationship between the State of Hawaii, United States of America, and the Prefecture of Yamagata, Japan, recognizing their shared historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties, as well as Japan's importance as an international partner for Hawaii. The resolution highlights Yamagata Prefecture's strengths in agriculture, food production, manufacturing, and rural revitalization, and notes the culinary similarities between the two regions, both grounded in respect for local ingredients and traditions. This formal partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in areas such as economic development, sustainable tourism, education, workforce development, agriculture, food security, clean energy, climate resilience, and cultural exchange, with specific encouragement for pilot initiatives in culinary and agricultural exchange, tourism, education, and sustainable development. The resolution also requests that the relationship expand economic opportunities, enhance tourism and food security, support education, deepen cultural understanding, and promote climate resilience, with the Governor of Hawaii tasked to collaborate with Yamagata Prefecture to develop formal agreements to advance this relationship.