Our mission is to heighten public awareness of Hawaii’s important international role, and the potential of the state to increase its presence in international political, cultural, economic, scientific and environmental issues, Office of International Affairs (OIA)* works with other internationally related organizations and institutions such as the East-West Center, the Japan-America Institute of Management Science (JAIMS), 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.

As a policy-coordinating organization, OIA’s responsibility is to focus and encourage the development of State policy toward the regions of the globe with promising economic, political and cultural opportunities for strengthened ties with Hawaii. In this capacity, OIA has helped to encourage and develop the following relationships and projects.

^{* Formerly known as the "Office of International Relations (OIR)"}

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
Worked closely with AILA’s Immigrant Investor Committee to create discussion forums for EB-5 investor petitions. For more information visit: AILA 

Asia-Pacific Homeland Security Summit & Exposition
For companies and organizations interested in homeland security or responsible for trans-national issues affecting the Asia-Pacific region. The Summit also included an Exhibit Hall with ongoing displays and demonstrations of the newest products, services and technology in homeland security.  For more information visit: Asia-Pacific Homeland Security Summit & Exposition 2005 

Beijing Office Receives Formal Designation
DBEDT’s Beijing Office received formal approval to serve Hawaii’s tourism promotion needs, and as the official liaison with the China National Tourism Administration furthering Hawaii’s efforts to receive Approved Destination Status (ADS).  Hawaii is only one of two U.S. states with official offices in China. Nevada is the other. For more information visit: DBEDT's China Office

BioJapan 2006 – World Business Forum in Osaka
BioJapan is an annual industry event that focuses on the application of biotechnology in business. The event provides an opportunity to promote worldwide cluster-to-cluster partnerships and alliances. Hawaii was featured at BioJapan 2005 World Business Forum from September 7-9, in Yokohama City, Japan, as part of the USA Pavilion. In 2005, 20,662 people attended all BioJapan events, including the exhibition, symposia, business partnering meetings, and reception. For more information visit: BioJapan 2006

Integrated Development Group
Continued work plan funded by the US Department of Commerce Market Development Cooperator Program grant DBEDT coalesce 12 firms and training institutions to provide a complete range of tourism development services.  This marketing consortium enables individual firms to pursue and secure higher value projects. This group, the Integrated Development Group (IDG), includes the world’s best design, planning and market research firms, along with smaller Hawaii firms. For more information visit: idg-hawaii.com.

Korea-Pacific U.S. States Joint Conference
In 2002, the Governors of the five Pacific states – Hawaii, California, Oregon, Washington and Alaska – formally recognized the importance of the relationship with Korea, and made a commitment to strengthen that relationship.  The Joint Conference between Korea and the five Pacific U.S. states was created to foster trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two regions.

The Korea-Pacific U.S. States Joint Conference is sponsored by the Korea-U.S. Economic Council (KUSEC)* and the Pacific States Trade & Development Council (Pac5), a consortium of the commerce and economic development agencies from the five Pacific U.S. states.  The Conference is held annually and alternates between Korea and the U.S.  The most recent meeting was held in Seattle, Washington in 2005, and focused on wireless technologies and interactive media.  Also at this meeting, the State of Idaho joined the alliance of Pac5 states. For more information visit: KUSEC

_{^{*KUSEC is a private, non-profit organization under the auspices of the Korea Investment and Trade Agency (KITA), whose purpose is to promote economic cooperation between Korea and the United States.  KUSEC is supported by leading Korean corporations and economic organizations, and exercises significant influence in both private and public sectors.}}

Pilot Visa Program
Visit to US Embassy in Korea in June, 2005 by Governor Lingle resulted in a pilot visa program for Korean honeymooners.  The process, branded the “Aloha Korea Honeymoon Travel Program,” allows expedited visa processing.

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