Bill > SR137

This Resolution formally acknowledges the deep historical, cultural, and strategic connections shared by the peoples of Oceania, a vast region of islands in the Pacific Ocean that includes Hawaii, recognizing that these island communities have long viewed their connections as extending far beyond their shorelines. It highlights shared origins, linguistic backgrounds, historical trade, and spiritual and cultural practices like the concept of "mana" and the importance of taro, while also noting that Western categorizations like Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia do not fully encompass the complexity of these cultures. The Resolution strongly condemns discrimination, violence, and defamation against Pacific Islanders in Hawaii and urges the state government to collaborate with Pacific Island nations on shared policy challenges such as combating sea level rise, protecting the environment, mitigating natural disasters, fostering economic development, managing tourism, improving healthcare and essential services in remote areas, promoting agricultural production, and upholding indigenous rights. Furthermore, it calls for the implementation of programs and training specifically designed to combat discrimination against Pacific Island communities.