Hawaii SCR47: 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 Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the House of Representatives concurring, that a sister-state relationship between the State of Hawaii, United States of TXmerica, and the Prefecture of Okayama, Japan, is hereby established; and …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Troy Hashimoto (D, 5) · primary sponsor
• Stanley Chang (D, 9)
• Carol Fukunaga (D, 11)
• Lorraine Inouye (D, 1)
• Tim Richards (D, SD-004)
• Les Ihara (D, 10)
• Glenn Wakai (D, 15)

Latest actions

1. May 12, 2026: Certified copies of resolutions sent, 05-12-26.
2. April 22, 2026: Resolution adopted in final form.
3. April 22, 2026: Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 802).
4. April 21, 2026: Transmitted to Senate.
5. April 21, 2026: Adopted with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0).
6. April 21, 2026: Reported from ECD (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2239-26), recommending adoption.
7. April 17, 2026: The committee on ECD recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Ilagan, Hussey, Ratcliffe, Templo, Yamashita; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Tam, Gedeon.
8. April 14, 2026: Resolution scheduled to be heard by ECD on Friday, 04-17-26 8:30AM in conference room 430 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
9. April 10, 2026: Referred to ECD, referral sheet 28
10. April 9, 2026: Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 452).

Votes

• Adopted with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0) (April 21, 2026): 51 yea, 0 nay, passed
• ECD: recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED (April 17, 2026): 5 yea, 0 nay, passed
• WLA: recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED (April 8, 2026): 4 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SCR47?

SCR47 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 SCR47 do?

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

What is the status of SCR47?

Passed both chambers as of April 22, 2026. Latest action: Certified copies of resolutions sent, 05-12-26. (May 12, 2026).

Who sponsored SCR47?

Troy Hashimoto (D, 5), with 6 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SCR47?

On the Hawaii Legislature website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SCR&billnumber=47&year=2026