HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.C.R. NO.	239
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

urging the Governor to facilitate the deployment of renewable-energy technologies, including waste-to-energy, in Hawaii and to attract foreign direct investment and international trade from the Republic of Korea.

     WHEREAS, the State of Hawaii has long been a partner in the sister-state relationship with Jeju Island in the Republic of Korea for the mutual benefit of the people of both societies, and the City and County of Honolulu has maintained sister-city relationships with Seoul and Incheon; and

     WHEREAS, Hawaii welcomed its first immigrants from Korea 110 years ago; and

     WHEREAS, the State strongly supports international trade agreements and policies, such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and the U.S. Visa Waiver Program with the Republic of Korea to increase tourism, military cooperation, cultural exchanges, and investments; and

     WHEREAS, the Republic of Korea has demonstrated leadership in environmental stewardship and sustainable waste management in the adoption of waste-to-energy conversion technologies from which the State of Hawaii can learn and benefit; and

     WHEREAS, there exist tremendous opportunities to capitalize on the close relationship between the United States and the Republic of Korea, and the strong interest of the State of Hawaii in attracting foreign investments through partnerships with Korean companies in the renewable-energy field; and
     WHEREAS, Hawaii has one of the highest electricity costs in the country, and is wholly dependent on energy derived mostly from imported fossil fuel; and

     WHEREAS, Hawaii lacks new landfill space and is almost at capacity to absorb the waste produced by nearly 1.4 million residents and about 8.5 million tourists who are projected to visit the State in 2013; and

     WHEREAS, the State, including the Legislature and Office of the Governor, has embraced renewable energy, sustainable development, and energy independence as reflected in enacted legislation and policies, such as the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative; and

     WHEREAS, the expeditious deployment of green technologies and attraction of capital investments will create high-paying jobs, raise state revenue, and benefit Hawaii's economy and residents; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-seventh Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2013, the Senate concurring, that the Governor is urged to explore opportunities for foreign direct investments from the Republic of Korea for the deployment of proven renewable-energy technologies, such as waste-to-energy systems developed by Korean companies; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State of Hawaii is encouraged to maintain and foster more sister-state relationships with jurisdictions of the Republic of Korea; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor is encouraged to promote and facilitate international trade, investment, manufacturing, and exports by Korean companies through the Hawaii Free Trade Zone No. 9 and other assets; and

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

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Republic of Korea; Renewable Energy Technologies