Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy, Environment, and International Affairs, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 230 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to approve and authorize the establishment of state-province relations of friendship between Hawaii and the Province of Isabela of the Republic of the Philippines.

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism; the University of Hawaii; and three individuals submitted testimony in support of this measure.

Your Committee finds that a state-province relationship with the Province of Isabela in the Republic of the Philippines would mutually benefit both regions by promoting international friendship and understanding, and help to maintain close cultural, commercial, and financial ties between Filipinos living in Hawaii and their relatives, friends, and business counterparts in the Philippines.

Your Committee notes that a measure was introduced in the House that, if passed, would establish a committee to evaluate and recommend sister-state relationships. If established, one of the first tasks of the committee should be to evaluate the establishment of state-province relations between Hawaii and the Province of Isabela, and to make recommendations regarding that relationship to the 2007 Legislature.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy, Environment, and International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 230, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.