Hawaii Senate Bill SCR72

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 4/4/23
• Engrossed: 4/5/23
• Refer: 4/11/23
• Refer: 4/17/23
• Report Pass: 4/19/23
• Passed: 4/20/23

Caption

Requesting The Establishment Of A Hawaii-taiwan Friendship Taskforce To Explore Ways To Strengthen, Improve, And Expand Economic, Cultural, And Educational Relations Between Hawaii And Taiwan.

Impact

The establishment of the Hawaii-Taiwan Friendship Taskforce could lead to notable advancements in trade and tourism, as Taiwan has been identified as an important trade partner for Hawaii. In 2021, Taiwan ranked as Hawaii's tenth-largest trade partner, with substantial exports and imports suggesting a mutually beneficial economic relationship. The report, which the taskforce will prepare by early 2025, is expected to outline pivotal findings and recommend potential legislative actions that align with the goal of fostering a closer relationship with Taiwan. The taskforce's efforts may revitalize Hawaii's tourism sector, particularly with Taiwanese tourists representing a crucial demographic.

Summary

SCR72, a concurrent resolution introduced in the Hawaii legislature, aims to establish a Hawaii-Taiwan Friendship Taskforce. This taskforce is intended to explore avenues for enhancing economic, cultural, and educational relations between the state of Hawaii and Taiwan. Recognizing the shared values of freedom and democracy, the resolution seeks to build upon the existing ties that have formed through long-standing sister-state relationships since 1993 and various city-county partnerships across the two regions. The initiative hopes to spur increased collaboration in key areas such as tourism and trade, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the importance of international relations amidst global health challenges.

Contention

While the intent behind SCR72 is largely perceived as positive, focusing on strengthening ties and promoting economic benefits, there could be underlying concerns regarding specific implications for local policies and international relations. The resolution stipulates the composition of the taskforce, raising questions about the inclusivity of various stakeholders, including different community groups and local businesses that might wish to engage with Taiwan. Additionally, achieving a balance between promoting international partnerships and ensuring that local interests are represented is essential as this initiative progresses. Stakeholders may scrutinize the taskforce's recommendations to ensure they serve the broader community's interests.