Informing the Legislature that on June 3, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB1578 SD2 HD1 CD1 (ACT 158).

SB1578 authorizes the East-West Center, a Hawaii-based institution established in 1975 to promote U.S.-Asia-Pacific relations through education and cultural exchange, to receive state funding without complying with standard state financial management rules. This change provides the Center with greater flexibility to use state funds for programs supporting international partnerships, economic development, and cultural initiatives. The bill directly affects the East-West Center and aims to ensure stable funding as federal support has fluctuated, strengthening Hawaii's role as a bridge between the U.S. and Asia-Pacific nations.