Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB1578 Compare Versions

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1-THE SENATE S.B. NO. 1578 THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 S.D. 2 STATE OF HAWAII H.D. 1 A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
1+THE SENATE S.B. NO. 1578 THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 S.D. 2 STATE OF HAWAII A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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47- SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West Act of 1960, Public Law 86-472, authorized the establishment in Hawaii of a center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, and Act 82, Session Laws of Hawaii 1975 (Act 82), established an educational non-profit public corporation, the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West, Inc., better known and referred to as the "East-West Center", to administer and operate the center. Act 82 specifies the purposes of the East-West Center, which include, among other things, the promotion of better relations and understanding between the United States and the nations of the East through the administration and operation of the East-West Center as an educational institution operating in furtherance of the objectives of Public Law 86-472 and the promotion, among the nations of the East and West, of the use of the East-West Center by qualified persons for cooperative study, training, and research in matters of East-West significance, thus leading to better relations and understanding as to such matters. The legislature further finds that the East-West Center has become a pivotal institution in fostering understanding and cooperation between the United States and the nations of Asia and the Pacific. Hawaii's unique geographical location and multicultural heritage make it an ideal location for promoting international relations, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region. For over six decades, the East-West Center has significantly contributed to the State's role as a bridge between the East and West, enhancing the State's position in international affairs. The legislature further finds that the East-West center's programs in research, education, and exchange have directly benefited the State's economy, culture, and diplomatic relations. While the federal government has provided significant funding to the East-West center, this federal support has fluctuated over the years. The legislature recognizes that the center would benefit from regular, predictable state resources to support the development of programs and initiatives that align with the State's strategic goals in international relations, education, and economic development. The legislature finds that the East-West center has served and continues to serve a public purpose of promoting better relations and understanding between the United States and the nations of the East and that granting authorization to the East-West center to receive appropriations of state funds exempt from the requirements of chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, complies with the public purpose requirement of article VII, section 4, of the Hawaii State Constitution. The legislature further finds that strong sister-state, sister-school, and similar relationships benefit the State's businesses and economy, improve access to flights and transportation, expand high school and college student educational exchanges, broaden access to Pacific culture and arts, preserve the State's relationships to the places of origin of its immigrant communities, and spur sub-national government collaborations to address common priorities, including the eradication of invasive species, promotion of economic development, advancement of clean energy, and preservation of peace between nations. Further, it is appropriate for the State to explore and take advantage of additional ways that Hawaii can benefit from international partnerships, including generating revenue abroad similar to many other jurisdictions. For example, hosting facilities abroad for local farmers and retailers to more easily sell Hawaii products in key markets, or investing in projects that generate a return, could create revenue to support Hawaii programs and services without additional expense to local taxpayers. The legislature also finds that international relations across the Pacific have been rapidly changing. Additionally, previous generations of the State's key community, business, and government leaders who have carefully fostered and maintained these important relationships are retiring or passing on. In order for residents to continue to benefit from the State's international ties, and for Hawaii to take advantage of international business and revenue opportunities abroad, as so many other jurisdictions currently do, it is critical that the State adjust its engagement strategy, ensure continuity with its sister-state communities and partners, and plan for the future. Therefore, the legislature finds that in celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of the East-West center, the State must update its international engagement strategy and reaffirm its commitment to building and maintaining the international partnerships that have benefitted the State over the years so they can continue to benefit local residents for generations to come. Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to: (1) Establish the official designation of the East-West center as the center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc., and exempt state fund appropriations to the East-West center from chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes; (2) Rename the Hawaii sister-state committee as the Hawaii sister-state and international partnerships commission and amends its functions and membership; (3) Require the office of international affairs to provide support to the Hawaii sister-state and international partnerships commission; (4) Expand the department of business, economic development, and tourism's authority to establish out‑of‑state offices to include out-of-state facilities to support sister-state or province partnerships and other partnerships that promote and enrich the people, cultures, environments, and economies of the State and its international partners, generate revenue for the State, and buy property; and (5) Appropriate funds. SECTION 2. Chapter 201, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows: "§201- East-West center. (a) The official designation of the East-West center shall be the center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc. (b) The qualifying standards and conditions related to the receipt of funds under chapter 42F shall not apply to funds received by the East-West center; provided that if the East-West center contracts with a recipient or provider, then the qualifying standards, conditions, and other provisions of chapter 42F shall apply to the recipient or provider and the contract. (c) To receive state funds, the center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc., shall: (1) Be licensed or accredited, in accordance with federal, state, or county statutes, rules, or ordinances, to conduct the activities or provide the services for which state funds are appropriated; (2) Comply with all applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability; (3) Agree not to use the funds for entertainment or lobbying activities; (4) Be incorporated under the laws of the State; (5) Have bylaws or policies that describe the manner in which the activities or services for which funds are appropriated shall be conducted or provided; (6) Have been determined and designated to be a tax-exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Service; and (7) Have a governing board whose members shall have no material conflict of interest and serve without compensation. (d) The comptroller and state auditor may examine the use of funds appropriated to the center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc. (e) The allocation of state support shall neither impinge on the autonomy of the center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc., nor imply state control over its programs or policies, except as provided in this section. (f) The center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc., shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session, which shall include an explanation of the facility maintenance and other functions accomplished by state fund expenditures in the previous fiscal year." SECTION 3. Section 201-17, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows: "(b) The office shall: (1) Develop policies that promote and strengthen relations with other countries in the areas of international business, economy, culture, and the arts; (2) Develop policies that promote transportation between, and tourism with, other countries; (3) Develop and promote international telecommunications and high technology exchanges; (4) Encourage the development of international sister-city programs, pairing Hawaii cities with cities around the globe for artistic, cultural, economic, educational, and faith-based exchanges; (5) Develop and promote Hawaii as the economic, trade, commerce, transportation, banking, and tourism hub of the Pacific; (6) Develop an international affairs and peace education curriculum that includes studies of international affairs and peace initiatives and takes a proactive, strategic approach to the development of policies that promote the prevention of national and international conflict, nonviolent intervention, mediation, peaceful resolution of conflict, and structured mediation of conflict; [and] (7) Provide for exchanges of individuals between Hawaii and other nations to develop international and peace‑based initiatives[.]; and (8) Provide support to the Hawaii sister-state and international partnerships commission." SECTION 4. Section 201-81, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows: "§201-81 Establishment of out-of-state offices; purposes. The department of business, economic development, and tourism may establish and operate offices and facilities in out-of-state locations, including foreign nations, to effectuate the following purposes: (1) Develop programs to reach targeted companies or industries in the respective area and surrounding regions; (2) Monitor out-of-state government policies and regulations that have an impact on business, markets, sales, tourism, and related activities; (3) Host government and business officials at conferences, meetings and social occasions, or other events on matters pertaining to business opportunities and attraction of investments for the State; (4) Develop and conduct advertising efforts, promotional events, media coverage, and educational programs regarding commerce in the State; [and] (5) Conduct related operations as needed, [such as] including hiring or contracting for consultants[.]; (6) Support sister-state or province relationships, as defined in section 229-1, and other partnerships that promote and enrich the people, cultures, environments, and economies of the State and its international partners; and (7) Generate revenue for the State." SECTION 5. Section 201-82, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows: "§201-82 Powers of the department. The department, subject to the approval of the director of budget and finance, shall have the following general powers to operate out-of-state offices and facilities established: (1) To enter into contracts, leases, or cooperative agreements, or perform other transactions with any person, firm, partnership, association, company, corporation, or foreign nation, as may be necessary in the conduct of its business and on [such] any terms as the department may deem appropriate, using competitive procurement practices, to the extent practicable, in accordance with rules adopted by the policy board; (2) To establish operational bank accounts in out-of-state locations, including foreign denomination accounts, as may be necessary in the conduct of its business, notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 38; (3) To receive by gifts, grants, devises, bequests, or otherwise from private sources or a foreign nation, any property, real, personal, or mixed, intangible or tangible, absolutely or in trust, to be used and disposed of, either the principal or the income therefrom, in accordance with the conditions under which it was received; (4) To buy, sell, lease, rent, hold, maintain, use, and operate any property, real, personal, or mixed, tangible or intangible, in accordance with the conditions under which it was received; (5) To hire such personnel as may be necessary in the conduct of its business and on [such] any terms as the department may deem appropriate; and (6) To do any or all other acts reasonably necessary to carry out the objects and purposes of this part, provided that the department shall not obligate any funds of the State not appropriated to the department." SECTION 6. Section 229-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows: "[[]§229-1[]] [Definition.] Definitions. For the purposes of this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires[, "sister-state]: "Commission" means the Hawaii sister-state and international partnerships commission established under section 229-2. "Sister-state or province [relationship"] partnership" means a [relationship] partnership between the State of Hawaii and the state or province or similar governmental or political subdivision of a foreign nation." SECTION 7. Section 229-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows: "[[]§229-2[]] Hawaii sister-state [committee] and international partnerships commission. [[(a)] There shall be established the Hawaii sister-state committee, to be placed within the department of business, economic development, and tourism for administrative purposes only, consisting of five members appointed by the governor as provided in section 26-34. The purpose of the committee shall be to advise the governor and the legislature on matters relating to sister-state or province relations and relations, in general, between the State and the states or provinces of foreign countries. [(b)] The governor shall appoint five members, one member from each of five lists of nominees submitted respectively by the following: (1) Speaker of the house of representatives; (2) President of the senate; (3) Native Hawaiian cultural organization; (4) East-West Center; and (5) Hawaii State Association of Counties. A chair and vice chair of the committee shall be appointed by the committee members from among themselves. Members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.] (a) There is established within the department of business, economic development, and tourism, for administrative purposes only, the Hawaii sister-state and international partnerships commission. (b) The commission shall support the governor, legislature, and office of international affairs in building and maintaining strategic long-term sister-state or province partnerships that promote and enrich the people, cultures, environments, and economies of the State and its international partners. (c) The commission shall consist of the following members: (1) Three members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate; provided that two of the three members appointed by the governor shall be from a list of at least three nominees submitted respectively by the: (A) Office of Hawaiian affairs; and (B) East-West center; (2) One member appointed by the president of the senate; (3) One member appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and (4) The chairs of the respective senate and house committees with jurisdiction over international affairs or intergovernmental affairs, who shall serve as ex-officio, non-voting members of the commission. (d) The commission shall elect from among its members a chairperson and vice chairperson. (e) Members of the commission shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties." SECTION 8. Section 229-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows: "[[]§229-3[]] Initiating sister-state relationships. The [Hawaii sister-state committee] commission shall evaluate and develop recommendations for the initiation of all sister-state or province [relationships] partnerships and forward its recommendation to the legislature. The legislature, if it so chooses, shall implement the recommendation to initiate a sister-state or province [relationship] partnership by either adopting a concurrent resolution or by enacting session law to that effect." SECTION 9. Section 229-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows: "[[]§229-4[]] Maintaining sister-state relationships. The [Hawaii sister-state committee] commission shall periodically evaluate established sister-state [relationships] or province partnerships and forward its recommendations on maintaining sister-state [relationships] or province partnerships to the governor and to the legislature." SECTION 10. Section 229-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows: "[[]§229-5[]] Dissolving sister-state relationships. The [Hawaii sister-state committee] commission may make a recommendation to terminate a sister-state [relationship] or province partnership it deems to be defunct, moribund, or not beneficial and forward its recommendation to the legislature. The legislature, if it so chooses, shall implement the recommendation to terminate a sister-state [relationship] or province partnership either by adopting a concurrent resolution or by enacting session law to that effect." SECTION 11. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the office of international affairs to develop an: (1) Updated strategy for the State's international engagement in the twenty-first century; and (2) Analysis of potential investment and revenue generation abroad. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of business, economic development, and tourism for the purposes of this Act. SECTION 12. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the East-West center to assist in the development and maintenance of the State's international relationships, programs, and partnerships. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act. SECTION 13. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored. SECTION 14. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
47+ SECTION 1. The legislature finds that fifty years ago, Act 82, Session Laws of Hawaii 1975, established an educational non‑profit public corporation to administer and operate what is today known as the East-West center. The mission of the EastWest center is to benefit local residents and the State's international partners by strengthening the State's international ties and advancing cooperation across the Pacific. It has been an invaluable partner that is well suited to continuing to assist the State in building partnerships, expanding economic development and education, and collaborating abroad. The legislature further finds that strong sister-state, sister-school, and similar relationships benefit the State's businesses and economy, improve access to flights and transportation, expand high school and college student educational exchanges, broaden access to Pacific culture and arts, preserve the State's relationships to the places of origin of its immigrant communities, and spur sub-national government collaborations to address common priorities, including the eradication of invasive species, promotion of economic development, advancement of clean energy, and preservation of peace between nations. Further, it is appropriate for the State to explore and take advantage of additional ways that Hawaii can benefit from international partnerships, including generating revenue abroad similar to many other jurisdictions. For example, hosting facilities abroad for local farmers and retailers to more easily sell Hawaii products in key markets, or investing in projects that generate a return. This enables direct financial benefit that can create revenue to support Hawaii programs and services without additional expense to local taxpayers. The legislature also finds that international relations between East and West across the Pacific have been rapidly changing. Additionally, previous generations of the State's key community, business, and government leaders who have carefully fostered and maintained these important relationships are retiring or passing on. If local residents are going to continue to benefit from the State's international ties, and if Hawaii is going to take advantage of international business and revenue opportunities abroad as so many other jurisdictions currently do, it is critical that the State adjust its engagement strategy, ensure continuity with its sister-state communities and partners, and plan for the future. Therefore, the legislature finds that in celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the legislature's establishment of the East-West center, the State must update its international engagement strategy, and reaffirm its commitment to building and maintaining the international partnerships that have benefitted the State over the years, so they can continue to benefit local residents for generations to come. Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to: (1) Engage local leaders with strong relationships abroad to support the governor and legislature in strengthening international partnerships, by redesignating the Hawaii sister-state committee as the Hawaii sister-state and international partnerships commission; (2) Enable the East-West center to better help and maintain the State's international relationships, programs, and partnerships; and (3) Enable the State to more easily generate revenue from international partnerships and investment as other jurisdictions do, where appropriate. SECTION 2. Chapter 201, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows: "§201- East-West center. (a) The official designation of the East-West center shall be the center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc. (b) The qualifying standards and conditions related to the receipt of funds under chapter 42F shall not apply to funds received by the East-West center; provided that if the East-West center contracts with a recipient or provider, then the qualifying standards, conditions, and other provisions of chapter 42F shall apply to the recipient or provider and the contract. (c) To receive state funds, the center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc. shall: (1) Be licensed or accredited, in accordance with federal, state, or county statutes, rules, or ordinances, to conduct the activities or provide the services for which state funds are appropriated; (2) Comply with all applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability; (3) Agree not to use the funds for entertainment or lobbying activities; (4) Be incorporated under the laws of the State; (5) Have bylaws or policies that describe the manner in which the activities or services for which a grant is awarded shall be conducted or provided; (6) Have been determined and designated to be a tax-exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Service; and (7) Have a governing board whose members shall have no material conflict of interest and serve without compensation. (d) The comptroller and state auditor may examine the use of funds appropriated to the center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc. (e) The allocation of state support shall not impinge on the autonomy of the center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc., nor imply state control over its programs or policies, except as provided in this section. (f) The center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc. shall submit to the legislature an annual report no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session, which shall include an explanation of the facility maintenance and other functions accomplished by state fund expenditures in the previous fiscal year." SECTION 3. Section 201-17, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows: "(b) The office shall: (1) Develop policies that promote and strengthen relations with other countries in the areas of international business, economy, culture, and the arts; (2) Develop policies that promote transportation between, and tourism with, other countries; (3) Develop and promote international telecommunications and high technology exchanges; (4) Encourage the development of international sister-city programs, pairing Hawaii cities with cities around the globe for artistic, cultural, economic, educational, and faith-based exchanges; (5) Develop and promote Hawaii as the economic, trade, commerce, transportation, banking, and tourism hub of the Pacific; (6) Develop an international affairs and peace education curriculum that includes studies of international affairs and peace initiatives and takes a proactive, strategic approach to the development of policies that promote the prevention of national and international conflict, nonviolent intervention, mediation, peaceful resolution of conflict, and structured mediation of conflict; [and] (7) Provide for exchanges of individuals between Hawaii and other nations to develop international and peace‑based initiatives[.]; and (8) Provide support to the Hawaii sister-state and international partnerships commission." SECTION 4. Section 201-81, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows: "§201-81 Establishment of out-of-state offices; purposes. The department of business, economic development, and tourism may establish and operate offices and facilities in out-of-state locations, including foreign nations, to effectuate the following purposes: (1) Develop programs to reach targeted companies or industries in the respective area and surrounding regions; (2) Monitor out-of-state government policies and regulations that have an impact on business, markets, sales, tourism, and related activities; (3) Host government and business officials at conferences, meetings and social occasions, or other events on matters pertaining to business opportunities and attraction of investments for the State; (4) Develop and conduct advertising efforts, promotional events, media coverage, and educational programs regarding commerce in the State; [and] (5) Conduct related operations as needed, [such as] including hiring or contracting for consultants[.]; (6) Support sister-state, -province, and other partnerships that promote and enrich the people, cultures, environments, and economies of the State and its international partners; and (7) Generate revenue for the State." SECTION 5. Section 201-82, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows: "§201-82 Powers of the department. The department, subject to the approval of the director of budget and finance, shall have the following general powers to operate out-of-state offices and facilities established: (1) To enter into contracts, leases, or cooperative agreements, or perform other transactions with any person, firm, partnership, association, company, corporation, or foreign nation, as may be necessary in the conduct of its business and on [such] any terms as the department may deem appropriate, using competitive procurement practices, to the extent practicable, in accordance with rules adopted by the policy board; (2) To establish operational bank accounts in out-of-state locations, including foreign denomination accounts, as may be necessary in the conduct of its business, notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 38; (3) To receive by gifts, grants, devises, bequests, or otherwise from private sources or a foreign nation, any property, real, personal, or mixed, intangible or tangible, absolutely or in trust, to be used and disposed of, either the principal or the income therefrom, in accordance with the conditions under which it was received; (4) To buy, sell, lease, rent, hold, maintain, use, and operate any property, real, personal, or mixed, tangible or intangible, in accordance with the conditions under which it was received; (5) To hire such personnel as may be necessary in the conduct of its business and on [such] any terms as the department may deem appropriate; and (6) To do any or all other acts reasonably necessary to carry out the objects and purposes of this part, provided that the department shall not obligate any funds of the State not appropriated to the department." SECTION 6. Section 229-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows: "[[]§229-2[]] Hawaii sister-state [committee] and international partnerships commission. [[(a)] There shall be established the Hawaii sister-state committee, to be placed within the department of business, economic development, and tourism for administrative purposes only, consisting of five members appointed by the governor as provided in section 26-34. The purpose of the committee shall be to advise the governor and the legislature on matters relating to sister-state or province relations and relations, in general, between the State and the states or provinces of foreign countries. [(b)] The governor shall appoint five members, one member from each of five lists of nominees submitted respectively by the following: (1) Speaker of the house of representatives; (2) President of the senate; (3) Native Hawaiian cultural organization; (4) East-West Center; and (5) Hawaii State Association of Counties. A chair and vice chair of the committee shall be appointed by the committee members from among themselves. Members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.] (a) There is established within the department of business, economic development, and tourism for administrative purposes only the Hawaii sister-state and international partnerships commission. (b) The commission shall support the governor, legislature, and office of international affairs in building and maintaining strategic long-term sister-state, -province, and other partnerships that promote and enrich the people, cultures, environments, and economies of the State and its international partners. (c) The commission shall consist of the following members: (1) Three members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate; provided that two of the three members appointed by the governor shall be from a list of at least three nominees submitted respectively by the: (A) Office of Hawaiian affairs; and (B) East-West center; (2) One member appointed by the president of the senate; (3) One member appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and (4) The chairs of the respective senate and house committees with jurisdiction over international affairs who shall serve as ex-officio, non-voting members of the commission. (d) The commission shall elect from among its members a chairperson and vice-chairperson. (e) Members of the commission shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties." SECTION 7. Section 229-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows: "[[]§229-3[]] Initiating sister-state relationships. The Hawaii sister-state [committee] and international partnerships commission shall evaluate and develop recommendations for the initiation of all sister-state or province relationships and forward its recommendation to the legislature. The legislature, if it so chooses, shall implement the recommendation to initiate a sister-state or province relationship by either adopting a concurrent resolution or by enacting session law to that effect." SECTION 8. Section 229-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows: "[[]§229-4[]] Maintaining sister-state relationships. The Hawaii sister-state [committee] and international partnerships commission shall periodically evaluate established sister-state relationships and forward its recommendations on maintaining sister-state relationships to the governor and to the legislature." SECTION 9. Section 229-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows: "[[]§229-5[]] Dissolving sister-state relationships. The Hawaii sister-state [committee] and international partnerships commission may make a recommendation to terminate a sister-state relationship it deems to be defunct, moribund, or not beneficial and forward its recommendation to the legislature. The legislature, if it so chooses, shall implement the recommendation to terminate a sister-state relationship either by adopting a concurrent resolution or by enacting session law to that effect." SECTION 10. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the office of international affairs to develop an: (1) Updated strategy for the State's international engagement in the twenty-first century; and (2) Analysis of potential investment and revenue generation abroad. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of business, economic development, and tourism for the purposes of this Act. SECTION 11. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the East-West center to assist in the development and maintenance of the State's international relationships, programs, and partnerships. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act. SECTION 12. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored. SECTION 13. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
4848
49- SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West Act of 1960, Public Law 86-472, authorized the establishment in Hawaii of a center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, and Act 82, Session Laws of Hawaii 1975 (Act 82), established an educational non-profit public corporation, the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West, Inc., better known and referred to as the "East-West Center", to administer and operate the center. Act 82 specifies the purposes of the East-West Center, which include, among other things, the promotion of better relations and understanding between the United States and the nations of the East through the administration and operation of the East-West Center as an educational institution operating in furtherance of the objectives of Public Law 86-472 and the promotion, among the nations of the East and West, of the use of the East-West Center by qualified persons for cooperative study, training, and research in matters of East-West significance, thus leading to better relations and understanding as to such matters.
49+ SECTION 1. The legislature finds that fifty years ago, Act 82, Session Laws of Hawaii 1975, established an educational nonprofit public corporation to administer and operate what is today known as the East-West center. The mission of the EastWest center is to benefit local residents and the State's international partners by strengthening the State's international ties and advancing cooperation across the Pacific. It has been an invaluable partner that is well suited to continuing to assist the State in building partnerships, expanding economic development and education, and collaborating abroad.
5050
51- The legislature further finds that the East-West Center has become a pivotal institution in fostering understanding and cooperation between the United States and the nations of Asia and the Pacific. Hawaii's unique geographical location and multicultural heritage make it an ideal location for promoting international relations, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region. For over six decades, the East-West Center has significantly contributed to the State's role as a bridge between the East and West, enhancing the State's position in international affairs.
51+ The legislature further finds that strong sister-state, sister-school, and similar relationships benefit the State's businesses and economy, improve access to flights and transportation, expand high school and college student educational exchanges, broaden access to Pacific culture and arts, preserve the State's relationships to the places of origin of its immigrant communities, and spur sub-national government collaborations to address common priorities, including the eradication of invasive species, promotion of economic development, advancement of clean energy, and preservation of peace between nations. Further, it is appropriate for the State to explore and take advantage of additional ways that Hawaii can benefit from international partnerships, including generating revenue abroad similar to many other jurisdictions. For example, hosting facilities abroad for local farmers and retailers to more easily sell Hawaii products in key markets, or investing in projects that generate a return. This enables direct financial benefit that can create revenue to support Hawaii programs and services without additional expense to local taxpayers.
5252
53- The legislature further finds that the East-West center's programs in research, education, and exchange have directly benefited the State's economy, culture, and diplomatic relations. While the federal government has provided significant funding to the East-West center, this federal support has fluctuated over the years. The legislature recognizes that the center would benefit from regular, predictable state resources to support the development of programs and initiatives that align with the State's strategic goals in international relations, education, and economic development.
53+ The legislature also finds that international relations between East and West across the Pacific have been rapidly changing. Additionally, previous generations of the State's key community, business, and government leaders who have carefully fostered and maintained these important relationships are retiring or passing on. If local residents are going to continue to benefit from the State's international ties, and if Hawaii is going to take advantage of international business and revenue opportunities abroad as so many other jurisdictions currently do, it is critical that the State adjust its engagement strategy, ensure continuity with its sister-state communities and partners, and plan for the future.
5454
55- The legislature finds that the East-West center has served and continues to serve a public purpose of promoting better relations and understanding between the United States and the nations of the East and that granting authorization to the East-West center to receive appropriations of state funds exempt from the requirements of chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, complies with the public purpose requirement of article VII, section 4, of the Hawaii State Constitution.
56-
57- The legislature further finds that strong sister-state, sister-school, and similar relationships benefit the State's businesses and economy, improve access to flights and transportation, expand high school and college student educational exchanges, broaden access to Pacific culture and arts, preserve the State's relationships to the places of origin of its immigrant communities, and spur sub-national government collaborations to address common priorities, including the eradication of invasive species, promotion of economic development, advancement of clean energy, and preservation of peace between nations. Further, it is appropriate for the State to explore and take advantage of additional ways that Hawaii can benefit from international partnerships, including generating revenue abroad similar to many other jurisdictions. For example, hosting facilities abroad for local farmers and retailers to more easily sell Hawaii products in key markets, or investing in projects that generate a return, could create revenue to support Hawaii programs and services without additional expense to local taxpayers.
58-
59- The legislature also finds that international relations across the Pacific have been rapidly changing. Additionally, previous generations of the State's key community, business, and government leaders who have carefully fostered and maintained these important relationships are retiring or passing on. In order for residents to continue to benefit from the State's international ties, and for Hawaii to take advantage of international business and revenue opportunities abroad, as so many other jurisdictions currently do, it is critical that the State adjust its engagement strategy, ensure continuity with its sister-state communities and partners, and plan for the future.
60-
61- Therefore, the legislature finds that in celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of the East-West center, the State must update its international engagement strategy and reaffirm its commitment to building and maintaining the international partnerships that have benefitted the State over the years so they can continue to benefit local residents for generations to come.
55+ Therefore, the legislature finds that in celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the legislature's establishment of the East-West center, the State must update its international engagement strategy, and reaffirm its commitment to building and maintaining the international partnerships that have benefitted the State over the years, so they can continue to benefit local residents for generations to come.
6256
6357 Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:
6458
65- (1) Establish the official designation of the East-West center as the center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc., and exempt state fund appropriations to the East-West center from chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes;
59+ (1) Engage local leaders with strong relationships abroad to support the governor and legislature in strengthening international partnerships, by redesignating the Hawaii sister-state committee as the Hawaii sister-state and international partnerships commission;
6660
67- (2) Rename the Hawaii sister-state committee as the Hawaii sister-state and international partnerships commission and amends its functions and membership;
61+ (2) Enable the East-West center to better help and maintain the State's international relationships, programs, and partnerships; and
6862
69- (3) Require the office of international affairs to provide support to the Hawaii sister-state and international partnerships commission;
63+ (3) Enable the State to more easily generate revenue from international partnerships and investment as other jurisdictions do, where appropriate.
7064
71- (4) Expand the department of business, economic development, and tourism's authority to establish out‑of‑state offices to include out-of-state facilities to support sister-state or province partnerships and other partnerships that promote and enrich the people, cultures, environments, and economies of the State and its international partners, generate revenue for the State, and buy property; and
72-
73- (5) Appropriate funds.
74-
75- SECTION 2. Chapter 201, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
65+ SECTION 2. Chapter 201, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
7666
7767 "§201- East-West center. (a) The official designation of the East-West center shall be the center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc.
7868
7969 (b) The qualifying standards and conditions related to the receipt of funds under chapter 42F shall not apply to funds received by the East-West center; provided that if the East-West center contracts with a recipient or provider, then the qualifying standards, conditions, and other provisions of chapter 42F shall apply to the recipient or provider and the contract.
8070
81- (c) To receive state funds, the center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc., shall:
71+ (c) To receive state funds, the center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc. shall:
8272
8373 (1) Be licensed or accredited, in accordance with federal, state, or county statutes, rules, or ordinances, to conduct the activities or provide the services for which state funds are appropriated;
8474
8575 (2) Comply with all applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability;
8676
8777 (3) Agree not to use the funds for entertainment or lobbying activities;
8878
8979 (4) Be incorporated under the laws of the State;
9080
91- (5) Have bylaws or policies that describe the manner in which the activities or services for which funds are appropriated shall be conducted or provided;
81+ (5) Have bylaws or policies that describe the manner in which the activities or services for which a grant is awarded shall be conducted or provided;
9282
9383 (6) Have been determined and designated to be a tax-exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Service; and
9484
9585 (7) Have a governing board whose members shall have no material conflict of interest and serve without compensation.
9686
9787 (d) The comptroller and state auditor may examine the use of funds appropriated to the center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc.
9888
99- (e) The allocation of state support shall neither impinge on the autonomy of the center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc., nor imply state control over its programs or policies, except as provided in this section.
89+ (e) The allocation of state support shall not impinge on the autonomy of the center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc., nor imply state control over its programs or policies, except as provided in this section.
10090
101- (f) The center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc., shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session, which shall include an explanation of the facility maintenance and other functions accomplished by state fund expenditures in the previous fiscal year."
91+ (f) The center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc. shall submit to the legislature an annual report no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session, which shall include an explanation of the facility maintenance and other functions accomplished by state fund expenditures in the previous fiscal year."
10292
10393 SECTION 3. Section 201-17, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
10494
10595 "(b) The office shall:
10696
10797 (1) Develop policies that promote and strengthen relations with other countries in the areas of international business, economy, culture, and the arts;
10898
10999 (2) Develop policies that promote transportation between, and tourism with, other countries;
110100
111101 (3) Develop and promote international telecommunications and high technology exchanges;
112102
113103 (4) Encourage the development of international sister-city programs, pairing Hawaii cities with cities around the globe for artistic, cultural, economic, educational, and faith-based exchanges;
114104
115105 (5) Develop and promote Hawaii as the economic, trade, commerce, transportation, banking, and tourism hub of the Pacific;
116106
117107 (6) Develop an international affairs and peace education curriculum that includes studies of international affairs and peace initiatives and takes a proactive, strategic approach to the development of policies that promote the prevention of national and international conflict, nonviolent intervention, mediation, peaceful resolution of conflict, and structured mediation of conflict; [and]
118108
119109 (7) Provide for exchanges of individuals between Hawaii and other nations to develop international and peace‑based initiatives[.]; and
120110
121111 (8) Provide support to the Hawaii sister-state and international partnerships commission."
122112
123113 SECTION 4. Section 201-81, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
124114
125115 "§201-81 Establishment of out-of-state offices; purposes. The department of business, economic development, and tourism may establish and operate offices and facilities in out-of-state locations, including foreign nations, to effectuate the following purposes:
126116
127117 (1) Develop programs to reach targeted companies or industries in the respective area and surrounding regions;
128118
129119 (2) Monitor out-of-state government policies and regulations that have an impact on business, markets, sales, tourism, and related activities;
130120
131121 (3) Host government and business officials at conferences, meetings and social occasions, or other events on matters pertaining to business opportunities and attraction of investments for the State;
132122
133123 (4) Develop and conduct advertising efforts, promotional events, media coverage, and educational programs regarding commerce in the State; [and]
134124
135125 (5) Conduct related operations as needed, [such as] including hiring or contracting for consultants[.];
136126
137- (6) Support sister-state or province relationships, as defined in section 229-1, and other partnerships that promote and enrich the people, cultures, environments, and economies of the State and its international partners; and
127+ (6) Support sister-state, -province, and other partnerships that promote and enrich the people, cultures, environments, and economies of the State and its international partners; and
138128
139129 (7) Generate revenue for the State."
140130
141131 SECTION 5. Section 201-82, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
142132
143133 "§201-82 Powers of the department. The department, subject to the approval of the director of budget and finance, shall have the following general powers to operate out-of-state offices and facilities established:
144134
145135 (1) To enter into contracts, leases, or cooperative agreements, or perform other transactions with any person, firm, partnership, association, company, corporation, or foreign nation, as may be necessary in the conduct of its business and on [such] any terms as the department may deem appropriate, using competitive procurement practices, to the extent practicable, in accordance with rules adopted by the policy board;
146136
147137 (2) To establish operational bank accounts in out-of-state locations, including foreign denomination accounts, as may be necessary in the conduct of its business, notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 38;
148138
149139 (3) To receive by gifts, grants, devises, bequests, or otherwise from private sources or a foreign nation, any property, real, personal, or mixed, intangible or tangible, absolutely or in trust, to be used and disposed of, either the principal or the income therefrom, in accordance with the conditions under which it was received;
150140
151141 (4) To buy, sell, lease, rent, hold, maintain, use, and operate any property, real, personal, or mixed, tangible or intangible, in accordance with the conditions under which it was received;
152142
153143 (5) To hire such personnel as may be necessary in the conduct of its business and on [such] any terms as the department may deem appropriate; and
154144
155145 (6) To do any or all other acts reasonably necessary to carry out the objects and purposes of this part, provided that the department shall not obligate any funds of the State not appropriated to the department."
156146
157- SECTION 6. Section 229-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
158-
159- "[[]§229-1[]] [Definition.] Definitions. For the purposes of this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires[, "sister-state]:
160-
161- "Commission" means the Hawaii sister-state and international partnerships commission established under section 229-2.
162-
163- "Sister-state or province [relationship"] partnership" means a [relationship] partnership between the State of Hawaii and the state or province or similar governmental or political subdivision of a foreign nation."
164-
165- SECTION 7. Section 229-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
147+ SECTION 6. Section 229-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
166148
167149 "[[]§229-2[]] Hawaii sister-state [committee] and international partnerships commission. [[(a)] There shall be established the Hawaii sister-state committee, to be placed within the department of business, economic development, and tourism for administrative purposes only, consisting of five members appointed by the governor as provided in section 26-34.
168150
169151 The purpose of the committee shall be to advise the governor and the legislature on matters relating to sister-state or province relations and relations, in general, between the State and the states or provinces of foreign countries.
170152
171153 [(b)] The governor shall appoint five members, one member from each of five lists of nominees submitted respectively by the following:
172154
173155 (1) Speaker of the house of representatives;
174156
175157 (2) President of the senate;
176158
177159 (3) Native Hawaiian cultural organization;
178160
179161 (4) East-West Center; and
180162
181163 (5) Hawaii State Association of Counties.
182164
183165 A chair and vice chair of the committee shall be appointed by the committee members from among themselves. Members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.]
184166
185- (a) There is established within the department of business, economic development, and tourism, for administrative purposes only, the Hawaii sister-state and international partnerships commission.
167+ (a) There is established within the department of business, economic development, and tourism for administrative purposes only the Hawaii sister-state and international partnerships commission.
186168
187- (b) The commission shall support the governor, legislature, and office of international affairs in building and maintaining strategic long-term sister-state or province partnerships that promote and enrich the people, cultures, environments, and economies of the State and its international partners.
169+ (b) The commission shall support the governor, legislature, and office of international affairs in building and maintaining strategic long-term sister-state, -province, and other partnerships that promote and enrich the people, cultures, environments, and economies of the State and its international partners.
188170
189171 (c) The commission shall consist of the following members:
190172
191173 (1) Three members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate; provided that two of the three members appointed by the governor shall be from a list of at least three nominees submitted respectively by the:
192174
193175 (A) Office of Hawaiian affairs; and
194176
195177 (B) East-West center;
196178
197179 (2) One member appointed by the president of the senate;
198180
199181 (3) One member appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and
200182
201- (4) The chairs of the respective senate and house committees with jurisdiction over international affairs or intergovernmental affairs, who shall serve as ex-officio, non-voting members of the commission.
183+ (4) The chairs of the respective senate and house committees with jurisdiction over international affairs who shall serve as ex-officio, non-voting members of the commission.
202184
203- (d) The commission shall elect from among its members a chairperson and vice chairperson.
185+ (d) The commission shall elect from among its members a chairperson and vice-chairperson.
204186
205187 (e) Members of the commission shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties."
206188
207- SECTION 8. Section 229-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
189+ SECTION 7. Section 229-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
208190
209- "[[]§229-3[]] Initiating sister-state relationships. The [Hawaii sister-state committee] commission shall evaluate and develop recommendations for the initiation of all sister-state or province [relationships] partnerships and forward its recommendation to the legislature. The legislature, if it so chooses, shall implement the recommendation to initiate a sister-state or province [relationship] partnership by either adopting a concurrent resolution or by enacting session law to that effect."
191+ "[[]§229-3[]] Initiating sister-state relationships. The Hawaii sister-state [committee] and international partnerships commission shall evaluate and develop recommendations for the initiation of all sister-state or province relationships and forward its recommendation to the legislature. The legislature, if it so chooses, shall implement the recommendation to initiate a sister-state or province relationship by either adopting a concurrent resolution or by enacting session law to that effect."
210192
211- SECTION 9. Section 229-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
193+ SECTION 8. Section 229-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
212194
213- "[[]§229-4[]] Maintaining sister-state relationships. The [Hawaii sister-state committee] commission shall periodically evaluate established sister-state [relationships] or province partnerships and forward its recommendations on maintaining sister-state [relationships] or province partnerships to the governor and to the legislature."
195+ "[[]§229-4[]] Maintaining sister-state relationships. The Hawaii sister-state [committee] and international partnerships commission shall periodically evaluate established sister-state relationships and forward its recommendations on maintaining sister-state relationships to the governor and to the legislature."
214196
215- SECTION 10. Section 229-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
197+ SECTION 9. Section 229-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
216198
217- "[[]§229-5[]] Dissolving sister-state relationships. The [Hawaii sister-state committee] commission may make a recommendation to terminate a sister-state [relationship] or province partnership it deems to be defunct, moribund, or not beneficial and forward its recommendation to the legislature. The legislature, if it so chooses, shall implement the recommendation to terminate a sister-state [relationship] or province partnership either by adopting a concurrent resolution or by enacting session law to that effect."
199+ "[[]§229-5[]] Dissolving sister-state relationships. The Hawaii sister-state [committee] and international partnerships commission may make a recommendation to terminate a sister-state relationship it deems to be defunct, moribund, or not beneficial and forward its recommendation to the legislature. The legislature, if it so chooses, shall implement the recommendation to terminate a sister-state relationship either by adopting a concurrent resolution or by enacting session law to that effect."
218200
219- SECTION 11. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the office of international affairs to develop an:
201+ SECTION 10. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the office of international affairs to develop an:
220202
221203 (1) Updated strategy for the State's international engagement in the twenty-first century; and
222204
223205 (2) Analysis of potential investment and revenue generation abroad.
224206
225207 The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of business, economic development, and tourism for the purposes of this Act.
226208
227- SECTION 12. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the East-West center to assist in the development and maintenance of the State's international relationships, programs, and partnerships.
209+ SECTION 11. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the East-West center to assist in the development and maintenance of the State's international relationships, programs, and partnerships.
228210
229211 The sums appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.
230212
231- SECTION 13. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
213+ SECTION 12. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
232214
233- SECTION 14. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
215+ SECTION 13. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
234216
235- Report Title: DBEDT; Office of International Affairs; Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission; East-West Center; Sister‑State Partnerships; Appropriations Description: Establishes the official designation of the East-West Center as the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West, Inc., and exempts state fund appropriations to the East-West Center from chapter 42F, HRS. Renames the Hawaii Sister-State Committee to the Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission and amends its functions and membership. Requires the Office of International Affairs to provide support to the Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission. Expands the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism's authority to establish out‑of‑state offices to include out-of-state facilities to support sister-state or province partnerships and other partnerships that promote and enrich the people, cultures, environments, and economies of the State and its international partners, generate revenue for the State, and buy property. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1) The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
217+ Report Title: DBEDT; Office of International Affairs; Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission; East-West Center; Sister‑State Relationships; Appropriations Description: Establishes the Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission. Requires the Office of International Affairs to provide support to the Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission. Allows the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish out‑of‑state offices and facilities to support sister-state and other partnerships that promote and enrich the people, cultures, environments, and economies of the State and its international partners, generate revenue for the State, and buy property. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2) The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
218+
219+
236220
237221
238222
239223 Report Title:
240224
241-DBEDT; Office of International Affairs; Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission; East-West Center; Sister‑State Partnerships; Appropriations
225+DBEDT; Office of International Affairs; Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission; East-West Center; Sister‑State Relationships; Appropriations
242226
243227
244228
245229 Description:
246230
247-Establishes the official designation of the East-West Center as the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West, Inc., and exempts state fund appropriations to the East-West Center from chapter 42F, HRS. Renames the Hawaii Sister-State Committee to the Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission and amends its functions and membership. Requires the Office of International Affairs to provide support to the Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission. Expands the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism's authority to establish out‑of‑state offices to include out-of-state facilities to support sister-state or province partnerships and other partnerships that promote and enrich the people, cultures, environments, and economies of the State and its international partners, generate revenue for the State, and buy property. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
231+Establishes the Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission. Requires the Office of International Affairs to provide support to the Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission. Allows the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish out‑of‑state offices and facilities to support sister-state and other partnerships that promote and enrich the people, cultures, environments, and economies of the State and its international partners, generate revenue for the State, and buy property. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)
248232
249233
250234
251235
252236
253237
254238
255239 The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.