Provides funds for a ceremonial presentation gift commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Hawaii/Fukuoka sister state agreement. Provides funds for either or both celebratory receptions planned in Fukuoka during May and September.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. In 1981, a sister state-prefecture relationship was created between Hawaii and Fukuoka, Japan, which initiated an international air route that directly connected the prefecture with the State. Since then, numerous cultural, educational, and economic exchanges have taken place. In 1996, the State and Fukuoka entered into an exchange agreement, which assigned an official from Fukuoka to the office of the governor to study the State's governmental structure, assist in Japanese-English translations, and assist the legislature in protocol matters, while Fukuoka hosted an official from Hawaii in return.

In commemoration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the sister state/prefecture agreement between Hawaii and Fukuoka, the Hawaii chapter of the Fukuoka Kenjin Kai plans to present a ceremonial gift on behalf of the State to Fukuoka. There are plans for celebratory receptions in Fukuoka in connection with the department of business, economic development, and tourism's plans for a trade exposition in May and the Fukuoka prefectural government's plans for an educational and cultural event in September to kick off the 2007 multi-country and multi-city Hokuleia canoe voyage.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to be used for a ceremonial presentation gift commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Hawaii-Fukuoka sister state agreement and to assist in funding either or both celebratory receptions planned in Fukuoka during May and September.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for a ceremonial presentation gift commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the sister state agreement between Hawaii and Fukuoka.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, to support either or both celebratory receptions planned in Fukuoka during May and September.

SECTION 4. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the

department of business, economic development, and tourism for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.