The Office of International Affairs (OIA) is the international business arm of the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) established by the Hawaii State Legislature in 2006 to promote international cooperative relationships between Hawaii and other countries. The OIA plays an important role in actively engaging Hawaii’s businesses and citizens in accessing international contacts and opportunities locally and overseas.

The OIA supports and promotes policies and interests programs to advance international partnerships and relationships in order to foster economic, political, cultural and educational relationships between Hawaii and strategic alliances overseas. OIA’s strategy is to collaborate with private organizations and governments to deliver international programs and services that support trade and economic development. Activities and initiatives include protocol and diplomatic matters, sister-state activities, international literacy promotion among the citizens of Hawaii (current and future workforce), foreign investment attraction to Hawaii, clearinghouse of international activities, intra-agency coordinator of international activities with the Executive and Legislative branches of government.

The OIA functions by leveraging existing relationships in Hawaii and overseas to expand initiatives that support and promote global trade, economic and workforce development.

History of International Affairs in Hawaii
In the past, the State addressed international issues on an inconsistent, case-by-case basis through the Governor’s Office, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, the Office of State Planning, or another state agency.

It was not until the establishment of the Office of International Relations (OIR) in 1992 that a concerted effort was made to organize the State’s international affairs. That effort began in 1988 with the passage of Act 168.

^{* The "Office of International Relations (OIR)" is now known as "Office of International Affairs (OIA)"}

Act 168, Session Laws of Hawaii 1988
Act 168 directed the Office of State Planning to "conduct a study of methods to strengthen Hawaii’s participation in international activities and develop a strategic plan". The legislative intent behind the Act was the realization that:

A major problem facing local small-and medium-sized companies seeking to compete in world markets is the lack of professional, diplomatic, and cultural counseling to potential and existing exporters and other persons wishing to do business in those markets. Similarly, foreign companies and persons who wish to do business in Hawaii cannot now go to a centralized agency to obtain up-to-date information on business, government, politics, resource management, and other concerns of international business persons in Hawaii.

The State and counties, if given appropriate assistance could do a better job of housing visiting foreign dignitaries, coordinating and supporting the various international programs in the State, and providing necessary services to foster international trade and relations.

The Office of International Relations was eventually established under Act 101, Session Laws of Hawaii 1992.

Act 101, Session Laws of Hawaii 1992
The purpose section of Act 101, Session Laws of Hawaii 1992, stated the reasons for the establishment of the OIR as being globalization, internationalism, cooperative relationships, and promoting an international center. The Act also mentions the need for "one centralized office to coordinate the international activities of the various state agencies to maximize the use of resources and avoid duplication of efforts.

Office of International Relations Annual Report 1993-94
In 1993 and 1994, the OIR developed and implemented several international policies for the State relating to other countries and territories. The OIR also focused and encouraged the development of state relationships with other regions of the globe to promote economic, political and cultural opportunities in Hawaii. The OIR helped to encourage and develop several relationships and projects, including the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Conference, the Politics of Partnership Symposium, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Conference, and served as the state contact for the Pacific Basin Development Council.

The OIR also fostered close working relationships with foreign governments and non-governmental organizations, federal agencies, and national organizations to raise Hawaii’s profile internationally to attract cooperative programs and stimulate Hawaii’s economy. Many of these projects fell under the rubric of the OIR’s Sister-State programs. The OIR also increased its presence in international political, cultural, economic, scientific and environmental issues by working with other internationally related organizations and institutions, such as the East-West Center, the Japan-America Society of Hawaii, the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council, the Pacific Basin Economic Council, the Pacific Forum/CSIS, the United Nations Association and the University of Hawaii, as well as with key national organizations to encourage internationalism among Hawaii’s people.

Dissolution of the Office of International Relations
Despite its apparent success, the OIR fell victim to budget cuts in 1994. Although the former Director of the OIR was retained in the Governor’s Office to handle international affairs, for all intents and purposes, the staff and budget dedicated to the OIR were precipitously terminated.

The new one-person international affairs program was responsible for not only the international affairs of the State, but was also the new federal-state coordinator in charge of the State’s federal agenda, the National Governors’ Association, the Western Governor’s Association, the other national and international organizations.

Current Status
Much of the activities done by OIR are now the responsibility of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. These includes, but not exhaustive, building Sister State relationships, international cultural promotions and conferences, business match-making with international delegates and central clearing house for international affairs.

Development of State Policy
In response to its legislative mandate, OIR in 1993 and 1994, developed and implemented several overarching international policies for the State of Hawaii which lend consistency, continuity, and structure to the State’s relationships with other countries and territories.

Sister-State Policy
Implementation of the State’s Sister State Policy in the latter half of 1993 included the establishment of a Hawaii Sister-State Committee, whose first major action was its unanimous recommendation to move forward with the signing of a Sister-State Agreement with the Province of Taiwan.

Protocol Policy
In accordance with OIR’s statutory mandate to develop uniform protocol procedures for state agencies, the Uniform Protocol Procedures manual was completed and submitted to the Governor and the 1994 session of the State Legislature. This comprehensive manual is to function as the State’s primary guide for protocol matters.

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