Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Economic Development and Business Concerns, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 28 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to authorize the Governor to take all necessary actions to establish a sister-state affiliation with the Province of Pangasinan of the Republic of the Philippines.

A concerned citizen supported this measure. The Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) offered comments.

Your Committee recognizes that DBEDT has expressed reservations regarding the establishment of a sister-state relationship with Pangasinan. Before entering into a sister-state relationship, DBEDT believes that there should be demonstrated mutuality of economic, trade, and investment benefits for both parties involved. In addition, DBEDT believes that there should be a strong commitment from the private sector to support and sustain the sister-state relationship once it is established. Without such evidence, DBEDT has indicated that a sister-state relationship with Pangasinan would be premature.

In light of these concerns, your Committee supports future efforts to expand and promote educational, business, and cultural ties between the people of Hawaii and Pangasinan. Your Committee also supports initiatives to study the potential benefits that might be derived from establishing a sister-state relationship with Pangasinan.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development and Business Concerns that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 28 and recommends its adoption.