THE SENATE

S.C.R. NO.

196

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

supporting and ENCOURAGING a broader relationship BETWEEN THE STATE and the kingdom of norway.

 

 

     WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the State to cultivate meaningful relationships with countries and governments to collaborate on solutions to shared challenges; and

 

     WHEREAS, the State and the Kingdom of Norway share common challenges as geographically distinct regions with unique environmental, economic, and social concerns; and

 

     WHEREAS, both the State and Norway are deeply reliant on their marine environments, with significant portions of their economies and cultures tied to fisheries, aquaculture, and ocean conservation; and

 

     WHEREAS, Norway has developed one of the world's most sustainable and technologically advanced fishing and aquaculture industries, offering valuable insights that could benefit Hawaii's ongoing efforts to enhance its local seafood production and marine resource management; and

 

     WHEREAS, both the State and Norway are at the forefront of renewable energy development, with Hawaii committed to achieving one hundred percent renewable energy by 2045 and Norway being a global leader in hydropower, offshore wind energy, and electric transportation; and

 

     WHEREAS, the State could benefit from Norway's expertise in electric mobility, sustainable urban planning, and green energy infrastructure, particularly in relation to integrating clean energy into island-based economies; and

 

     WHEREAS, the State could further benefit from Norway's approach to prisons and criminal justice, as a subject of conversation and collaboration; and

 

     WHEREAS, tourism is a major economic driver for both Hawaii and Norway, and the two regions can exchange best practices in sustainable tourism management to balance economic growth with environmental preservation; and

 

     WHEREAS, Norway has a strong tradition of Arctic and marine research that aligns with the State's research institutions' focus on oceanography, climate change, and marine biodiversity, creating opportunities for academic and scientific collaboration; and

 

     WHEREAS, Norway has established a robust social safety net that provides comprehensive healthcare, education, and social welfare programs, serving as a model for policies that support quality of life and economic stability; and

 

     WHEREAS, fostering a broader relationship between Hawaii and Norway would enhance cross-cultural understanding, facilitate economic and academic partnerships, and promote joint initiatives in renewable energy, ocean conservation, and sustainable development; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, the House of Representatives concurring, that this body supports and encourages a broader relationship between the State and the Kingdom of Norway; and

 

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

Report Title: 

Hawaii; Kingdom of Norway