Hawaiʻi’s Sister-States
Hawaiʻi’s Sister-States
DBEDT has established close working relationships with foreign governments and non-governmental organizations, federal agencies and national organizations. These relationships serve to raise Hawaiʻi’s profile internationally, attract dynamic cooperative programs and stimulate Hawaiʻi’s economy. Many of these projects fall under DBEDT’s Sister-State program.
In 1993, DBEDT recognized that in establishing sister relationships, economic benefit should be co-equal to the “historic purposes of friendship, cultural ties, and goodwill.” Consequently, any Sister-State relationship must provide for clear economic benefits.
Hawaiʻi’s Sister-State Policy
Hawaiʻi’s Sister-State Policy was based on the following criteria:
- Strong evidence of interest by the potential Sister-State.
- Clear prospects for mutual economic advantage.
- Substantial grassroots support for the relationship.
- A strong record of activities.
- Potential for expanded cultural, educational and government exchanges.
The report went on to state that:
- Sister-State relationships are partnerships between governments, but require active and ongoing participation by the private sector to sustain the relationship.
- Because the State’s capacity to manage Sister-State relationships is finite, a means of terminating moribund or defunct relationships should be provided.
Sister-State Process
DBEDT outlined the following process for establishing a Sister-State relationship:
- A detailed application form will be provided after initial consultation with DBEDT regarding a proposed relationship. The form to be filled out by proposer will include questions on such areas as geography, economic structure, cultural resources, primary industries, foreign trade and business, and sports.
- DBEDT will make a preliminary review and develop a recommendation to the Governor.
- The Governor will review the recommendation and either hold the recommendation or forward it to the Legislature.
- The Legislature will then adopt a concurrent resolution which authorizes the Governor to enter into an agreement with the prospective Sister-State.
- DBEDT and the prospective sister develop the mechanics and language of the agreement and subsequent program of cooperation.
Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission
The Sister-State Program is governed by Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 229-2 – Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission.
The commission shall support the governor, legislature, and office of international affairs in building and maintaining strategic long-term sister-state or province partnerships that promote and enrich the people, cultures, environments, and economies of the State and its international partners. The commission shall consist of the following members:
(1) One member appointed by the governor;
(2) One member appointed by the governor from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs;
(3) One member appointed by the governor from the center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc.;
(4) One member appointed by the president of the Senate;
(5) One member appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives; and
(6) The chairs of the respective Senate and House committees with jurisdiction over international affairs or intergovernmental affairs, who shall serve as ex-officio, non-voting members of the commission.
The commission shall elect from among its members a chairperson and vice chairperson.
Commission Agendas
The next Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission meeting will be posted here and include the Agenda and Materials.
The commission meets on an as-needed basis at No. 1 Capitol District Building – 250 South Hotel Street, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. The agendas and minutes for the most recent meetings can be found below. Agenda are also posted on the State of Hawaiʻi calendar. Type ‘Sister State Committee’ in the appropriate space bar and select or you can scroll to find it under DBEDT.
Commission Meetings and Materials
| Date | Agenda | Minutes | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|
|
May 13, 2026 |
Meeting Minutes |
||
|
April 13, 2026 |
If you would like to submit testimony for a commision meeting, please contact us per the information below.
Sister-States
| Country and Area | Province / Prefecture | Year Established |
|---|---|---|
| China | Guangdong | 1985 |
| China | Hainan | 1992 |
| Indonesia | Bali | 2014 |
| Japan | Fukuoka | 1981 |
| Japan | Okinawa | 1985 |
| Japan | Hiroshima | 1997 |
| Japan | Ehime | 2003 |
| Japan | Hokkaido | 2017 |
| Japan | Yamaguchi | 2022 |
| Japan | Okayama | 2026 |
| Japan | Yamagata | 2026 |
| Korea | Jeju | 1986 |
| Morocco | Rabat-Sale-Zemmour-Zaer | 2011 |
| Philippines | Ilocos Sur | 1985 |
| Philippines | Cebu | 1996 |
| Philippines | Pangasinan | 2002 |
| Philippines | Ilocos Norte | 2005 |
| Philippines | Isabela | 2006 |
| Portugal | Azores Islands | 1982 |
| Taiwan | Taiwan | 1993 |
Contact Information
Email: selma.s.malcolm@hawaii.gov
Phone: (808) 586-2582
Mailing Address:
Hawaii Sister-State and International Partnerships Commission /BDSD, DBEDT
P.O. Box 2359
Honolulu, HI 96804
