SR 175: Supporting and encouraging a broader relationship between the state and the kingdom of sweden.

SENATE RESOLUTION

Supporting and encouraging a broader relationship between the state and the kingdom of sweden.

     WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the State to cultivate meaningful relationships with countries and governments to collaborate on solutions to shared challenges; and

     WHEREAS, the State and the Kingdom of Sweden share common challenges as geographically distinct regions with unique environmental, economic, and social concerns; and

     WHEREAS, both the State and Sweden have prioritized the transition to renewable energy, with the State striving to achieve one hundred percent renewable energy by 2045 and Sweden emerging as a global leader in clean energy, particularly in wind, solar, and bioenergy; and

     WHEREAS, the State can learn from Sweden's advancements in energy efficiency, smart grid technology, and sustainable urban planning to support its clean energy goals and enhance infrastructure resilience; and

     WHEREAS, both the State and Sweden are dedicated to environmental protection and climate action, with Sweden being one of the world's most environmentally friendly nations by implementing ambitious policies to reduce carbon emissions and promote circular economies; and

     WHEREAS, Sweden has established a robust public transportation system that integrates rail, bus, and cycling infrastructure, providing valuable insight for the State's efforts to expand multimodal transportation and reduce dependency on automobiles; and

     WHEREAS, both the State and Sweden place strong emphasis on education, research, and innovation, and foster world-class universities and research institutions that collaborate on technology, sustainability, and public health initiatives; and

     WHEREAS, Sweden's expertise in sustainable tourism and balancing economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation, aligns with the State's goals to promote responsible tourism and protect the State's natural resources; and

     WHEREAS, Sweden has a comprehensive social welfare system that ensures high-quality healthcare, education, and work-life balance, offering valuable models for the State's efforts to improve social equity and quality of life for its residents; and

     WHEREAS, fostering a broader relationship between the State and Sweden would strengthen diplomatic ties, encourage economic partnerships, and facilitate knowledge exchange in key areas such as renewable energy, environmental sustainability, education, and public health; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that this body supports and encourages a broader relationship between the State and the Kingdom of Sweden; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor and Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Report Title: 

Sweden; Establishment; Broader Relationship

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1619

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.R. No. 175

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred S.R. No. 175 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AND ENCOURAGING A BROADER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE AND THE KINGDOM OF SWEDEN,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to support and encourage a broader relationship between the State and Kingdom of Sweden.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Consulate of Sweden and one individual.

     Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

     Your Committee finds that the State and the Kingdom of Sweden share common challenges as geographically distinct regions with unique environmental, economic, and social concerns.  Your Committee further finds that the State could draw lessons from the advancements Sweden has made in energy efficiency, smart grid technology, sustainable urban planning, and its robust public transportation system that integrates rail, bus, and cycling infrastructure.  Your Committee also finds that fostering a broader relationship between the State and Sweden would strengthen diplomatic ties, encourage economic partnerships, and facilitate knowledge exchange in key areas.  This measure encourages a stronger relationship between the State and the Kingdom of Sweden to create more resilient, sustainable, and prosperous societies for both states.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 175 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts,