Increasing the amount of trade and cargo between Hokkaido and Honolulu was part of the discussion during a meeting at the State Capitol held in late November. The Legislative Assembly of Tomakomai Port Authority sat down with state lawmakers to review the freighting status between Port Tomakomai and the Port of Honolulu and how to promote mutual economic development.
The Tomakomai Port Authority delegates and Hawai‘i legislators shared information on maritime operations and the responsibilities of the port authority. The Hokkaido delegates were also scheduled to tour Honolulu Harbor during their official visit.
Port Tomakomai is located about 30 miles south of the capital city of Hokkaido. It handles more than 100 million tons of cargo, making it the fourth largest in volume among ports in Japan. More than 95% of all consumer goods available in the State enter Hawai‘i via ocean transportation through its commercial harbors. Hawai‘i and Japan are directly connected by regular container liners and there is optimism that ocean transportation can be strengthened through future exchanges as part of this sister-state relationship.