HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.C.R. NO.
197
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
establishing a sister-state relationship between the state of hawaii, united states of america, and the prefecture of yamagata, japan.
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
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
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
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
WHEREAS, both jurisdictions share common priorities including sustainable tourism, workforce development, food security, clean energy, climate resilience, and the preservation of cultural heritage; and
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,
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 Yamagata, Japan, is hereby established; and
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
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State and Yamagata Prefecture are encouraged to pursue initial pilot initiatives, including but not limited to:
(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;
(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;
(3) An Education and Workforce Exchange Pilot Program to promote student, faculty, and professional exchanges focused on agriculture, hospitality, sustainability, and culinary arts; and
(4) A Sustainable Development Collaboration Pilot Program to promote knowledge-sharing on renewable energy, climate adaptation, rural revitalization, and community-based economic development; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the sister-state relationship between the State and the Prefecture of Yamagata, Japan, is requested to:
(1) Expand economic and trade opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs;
(2) Strengthen sustainable tourism and destination stewardship practices;
(3) Support workforce development and education pathways;
(4) Enhance food security, agricultural innovation, and culinary excellence;
(5) Deepen cultural understanding and long-term people-to-people ties; and
(6) Promote climate resilience and sustainable community development; and
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
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent 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:
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Report Title:
Yamagata Prefecture; Sister-State