STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3310

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1863

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and Water, Land, Culture and the Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 1863, H.D. 1, entitled:

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

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish an Honorary Ambassador to Canada position within the Business Development and Support Division of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; and

(2) Appropriate funds.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Your Committees find that while national-level tensions have complicated United States-Canada relations, the State has always maintained its own distinct cultural identity and strong relationship with Canada. As one of the State's most important partners, a top visitor market, key source of investment, and collaborator in areas such as renewable energy, ocean science, and Indigenous cultural exchange, maintaining a stable point of contact for Canadian businesses, universities, and communities who value the State's unique voice will expand opportunities for local companies despite federal uncertainty. This measure will support the State in maintaining goodwill, economic stability, and cultural partnership with one of its closest international neighbors in a cost-effective manner.

Your Committees have amended this measure by:

(1) Inserting an effective date of July 1, 3050, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and Water, Land, Culture and the Arts that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1863, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1863, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and Water, Land, Culture and the Arts,

________________________________ CHRIS LEE, Chair

________________________________ LYNN DECOITE, Chair