Requires the State to work with international agencies to foster and initiate coordination, cooperation, and technology and research exchange with other countries.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii must tap into the global network as it works to develop sound and rational business and economic development policies, undertake energy development and management, and encourage development and promotion of industry and international commerce. Several international agencies already provide proven frameworks for international cooperation and information exchange. The International Energy Agency, for example, is a forum consisting of twenty-six industrialized countries that have agreed to share information and experience, coordinate policies, and cooperate in the development of rational, cost-competitive technologies worldwide. In this global economy and society, active participation with agencies such as the International Energy Agency is key to sound policy and decision making.

The purpose of this Act is to require active participation with international agencies, such as the International Energy Agency, in the development of sound policies and programs for the State.

SECTION 2. Section 201-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§201-2 General objective, functions, and duties of department. It shall be the objective of the department of business, economic development, and tourism to make broad policy determinations with respect to economic development in the State and to stimulate through research and demonstration projects those industrial and economic development efforts [which] that offer the most immediate promise of expanding the economy of the State. The department shall endeavor to gain an understanding of those functions and activities of other governmental agencies and of private agencies [which] that relate to the field of economic development[.] and work with international agencies, such as the International Energy Agency, to foster and initiate coordination, cooperation, and technology and research exchange with other countries. It shall, at all times, encourage initiative and creative thinking in harmony with the objectives of the department."

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.