Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Economic Development and Business Concerns and Tourism and Culture, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 160 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to authorize the establishment of a sister-state relationship between the State of Hawaii and the municipality of Tianjin in the People's Republic of China.

Two concerned citizens testified in support of this measure.

The Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism supported the intent of this measure.

Your Committees believe that the establishment of a sister-state relationship with Tianjin would promote cultural, educational, and economic opportunities for the people of Hawaii. However, your Committees recognize that several concerns were voiced regarding this measure. Specific questions raised included uncertainty regarding approval of the sister-state relationship by the People's Republic of China, the sustainability of a potential sister-state relationship with Tianjin, and a demonstrated mutuality of economic benefits resulting from this sister-state relationship. Your Committees support future public and private efforts in addressing these concerns.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Economic Development and Business Concerns and Tourism and Culture that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 160 and recommend its adoption.