(a) There is established within the department of business, economic development, and tourism, for administrative purposes only, the Hawaii sister-state and international partnerships commission.
(b) The commission shall support the governor, legislature, and office of international affairs in building and maintaining strategic long-term sister-state or province partnerships that promote and enrich the people, cultures, environments, and economies of the State and its international partners.
(c) The commission shall consist of the following members:
(1) Three members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate; provided that two of the three members appointed by the governor shall be from a list of at least three nominees submitted respectively by the:
(A) Office of Hawaiian affairs; and
(B) Center for cultural and technical interchange between East and West, Inc.;
(2) One member appointed by the president of the senate;
(3) One member appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and
(4) The chairs of the respective senate and house committees with jurisdiction over international affairs or intergovernmental affairs, who shall serve as ex-officio, non-voting members of the commission.
(d) The commission shall elect from among its members a chairperson and vice chairperson.
(e) Members of the commission shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.