Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs, and Government Operations, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 66 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize and urge the Governor to take all necessary steps to establish a sister state-prefecture relationship between Hawaii and the Ehime prefecture of Japan.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, the Japan-America Society of Hawaii, and two concerned citizens.

Your Committee finds that the tragic accident off Diamond Head, in which many crew members from the Ehime Maru training ship lost their lives, has actually brought together the people of Hawaii and the people of Ehime prefecture. There are memorials in both locations, and last year a youth baseball team from Hawaii went to Japan for a goodwill baseball tournament.

Your Committee supports the concept of formalizing this relationship, and believes that the two cultures can develop a lasting business and personal friendship.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs, and Government Operations that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 66 and recommends its adoption.