Hawaii HCR36: Establishing a Sister-state Relationship Between the State of Hawaii, United States of America, and the Prefecture of Okayama, Japan.

What the bill says

A concurrent resolution or by enacting session law to that effect; and.

From the introduced text:

a concurrent resolution or by enacting session law to that effect; and WHEREAS, a relationship between Hawaii and Okayama will strengthen institutional collaboration, economic opportunity, and cultural exchanges for the benefit of residents, businesses, students, and communities in both regions; and WHEREAS, a relationship between Hawaii and Okayama is expected to expand economic and trade opportunities for local businesses; strengthen sustainable tourism; support workforce development; enhance food security and agricultural innovation; and deepen cultural understanding; and WHEREAS, the State of Hawaii is actively seeking to expand its international ties and has an abiding interest in developing goodwill, friendship, and economic relations between the people of Hawaii and the people of many nations; and WHEREAS, the Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission has reviewed the Hawaii-Okayama sister-state application and recommended that a sister-state relationship be established between Hawaii and Okayama; and WHEREAS, this body believes that a sister-state relationship between Hawaii and Okayama will be highly beneficial in expanding tourism, strengthening cultural bonds, and advancing common goals of international peace and cooperation; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the Senate concurring, that a sister--state relationship between the State of Hawaii, United States of America, and the Prefecture of Okayama, Japan, is hereby established; and …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Kyle Yamashita (D, 12) · primary sponsor
• Cory Chun (D, 35)
• Andrew Garrett (D, 22)
• Mark Hashem (D, 19)
• Ikaika Hussey (D, 29)
• Linda Ichiyama (D, 31)
• Matthias Kusch (D, 1)
• Lisa Marten (D, 51)
• Tyson Miyake (D, 10)
• Mahina Poepoe (D, 13)
• Julie Reyes Oda (R, 40)
• Jackson Sayama (D, 21)

Latest actions

1. April 23, 2026: Resolution adopted in final form.
2. April 23, 2026: Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 727).
3. April 23, 2026: Report and Resolution Adopted. Transmitted to House.
4. April 22, 2026: One Day Notice 04-23-26.
5. April 22, 2026: Reported from WLA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3878) with recommendation of adoption.
6. April 17, 2026: The committee(s) on WLA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WLA were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Lamosao, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Inouye, Chang.
7. April 14, 2026: The committee(s) on WLA has scheduled a public hearing on 04-17-26 1:15PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.
8. April 10, 2026: Referred to WLA.
9. April 2, 2026: Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 454).
10. April 1, 2026: Transmitted to Senate.

Votes

• WLA: recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED (April 17, 2026): 3 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Adopted with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0) (April 1, 2026): 51 yea, 0 nay, passed
• ECD: recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED (March 27, 2026): 5 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HCR36?

HCR36 is a bill in the Hawaii Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Establishing a Sister-state Relationship Between the State of Hawaii, United States of America, and the Prefecture of Okayama, Japan.

What does HCR36 do?

In its own words: A concurrent resolution or by enacting session law to that effect; and.

What is the status of HCR36?

Passed both chambers as of April 23, 2026. Latest action: Resolution adopted in final form. (April 23, 2026).

Who sponsored HCR36?

Kyle Yamashita (D, 12), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HCR36?

On the Hawaii Legislature website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HCR&billnumber=36&year=2026