STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1399-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: S.B. No. 3221

S.D. 2

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred S.B. No. 3221, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INTERNATIONAL SISTER-STATE RELATIONS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to support international sister-state relations.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.

Your Committee finds that sister-state relationships are partnerships between governments that facilitate trade and investment opportunities in Hawaii. Your Committee recognizes the important role of sister-state relationships in raising Hawaii's profile internationally; attracting dynamic cooperative programs, such as mutual exchanges in business, culture, tourism, and education; and stimulating the economy. This measure provides funding to leverage existing relationships and activities that will continue to raise Hawaii's international role and forge mutually beneficial partnerships with other countries and cities.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3221, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair