HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	165
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2012
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

Encouraging the governor to transfer the responsibilities for the administration of the office of international affairs from the department of business, economic development and tourism to the lieutenant governor.

     WHEREAS, Hawaii plays a critical role in international affairs, given its central location in the Pacific Ocean; and

     WHEREAS, in November 2011, Hawaii hosted the 23rd Annual Leader's Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC); and

     WHEREAS, the success of this international summit was greatly influenced by efforts of the APEC Hawaii Host Committee, which was comprised of important government, business and educational leaders; and

     WHEREAS, the success of APEC demonstrated that Hawaii is a credible, convenient and legitimate location to conduct international business and affairs; and

WHEREAS, the State's Lieutenant Governor served on the APEC Hawaii Host Committee and played a critical role in coordinating government resources; and

     WHEREAS, the Lieutenant Governor's key role demonstrates the importance of including international outreach in the scope of the Executive Branch responsibilities; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2012, that the Governor of the State of Hawaii transfer the responsibilities of administering the Office of International Affairs from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor of the State of Hawaii, the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Hawaii, and the Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Office of International Affairs; Lieutenant Governor