§229-2  Hawaii sister-state and international partnerships commission.  (a)  There is established within the department of business, economic development, and tourism, for administrative purposes only, the Hawaii sister-state and international partnerships commission.

     (b)  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.

     (c)  The commission shall consist of the following members:

     (1)  Three members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate; provided that two of the three members appointed by the governor shall be from a list of at least three nominees submitted respectively by the:

          (A)  Office of Hawaiian affairs; and

          (B)  Center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc.;

     (2)  One member appointed by the president of the senate;

     (3)  One member appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and

     (4)  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.

     (d)  The commission shall elect from among its members a chairperson and vice chairperson.

     (e)  Members of the commission shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties. [L 2006, c 150, pt of §2; am L 2025, c 158, §7]