ESTABLISHING A SISTER-STATE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE OF HAWAII, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND THE PREFECTURE OF YAMAGATA, JAPAN.

SR160

THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

160

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

establishing a sister-state relationship between the
state of hawaii, united states of america, and the prefecture of yamagata,
japan.

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WHEREAS, the
State and Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, share long-standing historical, cultural,
and people-to-people ties rooted in Japanese immigration to and ongoing
cultural exchange; and

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WHEREAS, Japan
remains one of the State's most important international partners in tourism,
trade, education, and cultural exchange, and Yamagata Prefecture is widely
recognized for its leadership in agriculture, food production, manufacturing,
sustainability, and rural revitalization; and

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WHEREAS, the
State and Yamagata Prefecture share deep culinary similarities grounded in
respect for land and sea, seasonal ingredients, craftsmanship, and cultural
traditions, including rice cultivation, seafood, fermentation, noodles, and
locally sourced cuisine; and

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WHEREAS, Yamagata
Prefecture is renowned for premium rice, cherries, wagyu beef, soba, and sake,
while the State's culinary identity reflects indigenous Hawaiian foodways and
multicultural influences, including Japanese cuisine, contributing to the
State's global reputation for farm-to-table and culinary innovation; and

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WHEREAS, both
jurisdictions share common priorities including sustainable tourism, workforce
development, food security, clean energy, climate resilience, and the
preservation of cultural heritage; and

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WHEREAS, a
formal sister-state relationship between the State and Yamagata Prefecture will
strengthen institutional collaboration, economic opportunity, and cultural
exchange for the benefit of residents, businesses, students, and communities in
both regions; now, therefore,

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BE IT
RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii,
Regular Session of 2026, that a sister-state relationship between the State of
Hawaii, United States of America, and the Prefecture of Yamagata, Japan, is
hereby established; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that in their partnership, the State and Yamagata Prefecture are
encouraged to promote collaboration in the areas of economic development and
trade, sustainable tourism, education and workforce development, agriculture
and food security, clean energy and climate resilience, and cultural and
people-to-people exchange; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the State and Yamagata Prefecture are encouraged to pursue
initial pilot initiatives, including but not limited to:

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(1)
�
A Culinary and Agricultural Exchange Pilot
Program to promote chef, farmer, and food artisan exchanges that highlight
local ingredients, traditional practices, and value-added food production;

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(2)
�
A Culinary Tourism and Cultural Showcase Pilot
Program to promote joint food and cultural events in the State and Yamagata
Prefecture that promotes regional products, culinary traditions, and tourism
experiences;

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(3)
�
An Education and Workforce Exchange Pilot
Program to promote student, faculty, and professional exchanges focused on
agriculture, hospitality, sustainability, and culinary arts; and

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(4)
�
A Sustainable Development Collaboration Pilot
Program to promote knowledge-sharing on renewable energy, climate adaptation,
rural revitalization, and community-based economic development; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the sister-state relationship between the State and the
Prefecture of Yamagata, Japan, is requested to:

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(1)
�
Expand economic and trade opportunities for
local businesses and entrepreneurs;

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(2)
�
Strengthen sustainable tourism and destination
stewardship practices;

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(3)
�
Support workforce development and education
pathways;

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(4)
�
Enhance food security, agricultural
innovation, and culinary excellence;

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(5)
�
Deepen cultural understanding and long-term
people-to-people ties; and

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(6)
�
Promote climate resilience and sustainable
community development; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the Governor, or the Governor's designee, is requested to
collaborate with Yamagata Prefecture to develop memoranda of understanding and
implementation frameworks to advance the sister-state relationship between the
State and the Prefecture of Yamagata, Japan; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the United
States Secretary of State; Ambassador of the Embassy of Japan in Washington,
D.C.; Governor; Governor of the Prefecture of Yamagata, Japan; Consul General
of Japan in Hawaii; and Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:
�

Yamagata
Prefecture; Sister-State