Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 230 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to encourage the development of a state-province relationship between the State of Hawaii and the Province of Isabela of the Republic of the Philippines by requesting the Governor to take necessary actions to establish such a state-province relationship.

Your Committee believes that expanding the existing relationships between Isabela Province and the State would promote international friendship, strengthen cultural, social, and economic ties, and be mutually beneficial to both the State and Isabela Province. Isabela Province is known as the "Rice Granary of the North" and is rich in natural resources. In addition, the province is developing its tourism industry. Because there are a significant number of Filipinos in Hawaii who are from or have ties to Isabela Province, there is an already established linkage between the State and the province. Your Committee finds that a state-province relationship would further the existing ties and serve as a conduit for cultural, educational, economic and professional, and humanitarian exchanges between the State and Isabela Province.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 230, and recommends its adoption.