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HR 156

Borsh, Anna; commend

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joseph Gullett and 4 co-sponsors

HR 156 urges Hawaii's counties to form sister city ties with Pacific Island municipalities, boosting cultural exchange and economic cooperation for mutual benefit.

House Read and Adopted
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 156

Summary of HR 156: Urging Sister City Relationships with Pacific Island Municipalities

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HR 156
Title: Urging the City and County of Honolulu, the County of Maui, the County of Hawaii, and the County of Kauai to Establish Sister City Relationships with Other Pacific Island Municipalities
Status: Reported from CAA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1547), recommending referral to ECD
Introduced: January 03, 2025
Classification: Resolution
Subject: Pacific Islands Caucus, Sister Cities

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HR 156 is to encourage the local governments of Hawaii's major counties—Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai—to establish formal sister city relationships with municipalities in other Pacific Island nations. This initiative aims to foster cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and mutual support among Pacific Island communities.

Key Provisions

  • Encouragement of Sister City Relationships: The resolution calls for the respective counties to actively pursue and establish sister city agreements with municipalities in the Pacific Islands.
  • Focus on Cultural and Economic Ties: The relationships are intended to enhance cultural understanding and promote economic partnerships, benefiting both Hawaii and the Pacific Island municipalities involved.

Affected Parties

  • Local Governments: The counties of Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai will be directly involved in the establishment of these relationships.
  • Pacific Island Municipalities: Various municipalities in the Pacific Islands will be potential partners, benefiting from increased collaboration and exchange.
  • Residents and Businesses: The communities in both Hawaii and the Pacific Islands may experience cultural enrichment and economic opportunities as a result of these partnerships.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

  • January 03, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
  • March 07, 2025: The resolution was offered.
  • March 14, 2025: The bill was scheduled for a hearing by the CAA committee.
  • March 19, 2025: The CAA committee recommended that the measure be passed unamended, with a vote of 5 Ayes and 1 Excused.
  • March 25, 2025: The report was adopted and referred to the ECD committee.

Related Legislation

  • HCR 161: This bill serves as a companion resolution, likely addressing similar themes or objectives regarding sister city relationships.

Conclusion

HR 156 represents a proactive step towards enhancing relationships between Hawaii and other Pacific Island municipalities. By establishing sister city agreements, the resolution aims to promote cultural exchange and economic collaboration, ultimately benefiting the communities involved. The bill is currently progressing through the legislative process, with further discussions anticipated in the ECD committee.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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