STAND. COM. REP. NO. 413-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1863

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Economic Development & Technology, to which was referred H.B. No. 1863 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AN HONORARY AMBASSADOR TO CANADA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish an Honorary Ambassador to Canada position within the Business Development and Support Division of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that Canada is one of Hawaii's most important international partners as it is a top visitor market, a key source of investment, and a collaborator in areas like renewable energy, ocean science, and indigenous cultural exchanges. This measure seeks to formalize and expand these connections through the establishment of an Honorary Ambassador to Canada.

Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development & Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1863, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1863, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Development & Technology,

____________________________

GREGGOR ILAGAN, Chair