Representative Scot Z. Matayoshi of Hawaii's 49th District recently visited China's Guangdong Province on a dual mission: strengthening the 40-year sister-state relationship and tracing his own ancestral roots. For Matayoshi, whose Chinese heritage originates from Guangdong, the visit held deep personal significance.
"Guangdong Province is of particular importance," Matayoshi stated during his visit, "because many of our ancestors came from this province to Hawaii, including my own." He explained that being half-Chinese means his family lineage traces back to Guangdong four generations prior. "Unfortunately, we've lost much of that history. So one of the reasons I came here... is to see where my family came from," he shared, highlighting the personal journey intertwined with diplomatic efforts aimed at "furthering good relationships with China."
The timing of his visit resonated symbolically. Matayoshi noted, "I'm 40, so I'm the same age as this compact," referring to the four-decade-old Hawaii-Guangdong sister-state relationship. Reviewing the historical record of the partnership during his trip, he found it "very impressive to see the kind of relationship being forged and the governors of Hawaii coming to Guangdong to meet the people and further the relationship."
Building connections, both personal and official, often happens informally. Matayoshi pointed to the universal power of sharing food or drink. "Having coffee with someone... is a very natural way to foster a sister-state relationship," he remarked. This shared experience was amplified by discovering Guangdong's own coffee cultivation, which sparked discussions on similarities and differences. These conversations naturally flowed toward educational exchange. Matayoshi discussed potential cultural and study exchange programs with the University of Hawaii, emphasizing Hawaii's unique advantage: "I think people from China would feel more comfortable in a place where they would blend in." He expressed a strong desire for Hawaiian students to also experience China, stating, "We would love for our students to go to China to study and experience another country."
Beyond cultural ties, Matayoshi explored innovative avenues for practical cooperation, particularly leveraging Hawaii's unique geographical situation. He highlighted Hawaii's isolation—"2,500 miles from any big landmass"—which makes imported goods expensive but also creates a significant biological advantage: limited cross-pollination allows for maintaining "genetically pure lines for plants and animals, or mostly plants." Noting the climatic similarities between Hawaii and Guangdong, he proposed a novel idea: "It's very possible that Hawaii can help due to its isolation and its year-round growing season. We could, as Hawaii, grow the seed crops for China if you need that more pure line." He revealed concrete steps were being taken, saying, "I've asked the USDA representatives here to figure out what kind of crops you grow here that we could also grow in Hawaii as seed crops."
Representative Matayoshi, Chair of the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, brings a background as a former public school science teacher (Nanakuli High and Intermediate) and a strong belief in education and agriculture. His visit to Guangdong underscored his commitment to fostering international relationships, addressing economic foundations like agriculture, and reconnecting with his own heritage, all while seeking tangible benefits for both Hawaii and its long-standing Chinese partner.
Reporter: Guo Zedong, Zhang Jiayue (intern)
Photo & Video: Pan Jiajun
Video cover: Pan Jiajun
Editor: Yuan Zixiang, James, Shen He
