Bill > HR160

This Resolution celebrates the historical and ongoing ties between Hawaii and the Freely Associated States (FAS), which are independent island nations in the Pacific: the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia. It acknowledges the significant contributions of FAS citizens to Hawaii's economy and culture, including their service in the U.S. military and their role in preserving cultural traditions. The Resolution also highlights the strategic importance of the FAS to U.S. national security, especially in the context of increasing influence from the People's Republic of China. Recognizing that the financial provisions of the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) – the international agreements governing the relationship between the U.S. and the FAS – are set to expire soon and that renegotiations have stalled, this Resolution urges the President and Congress of the United States to appoint a lead negotiator to finalize these crucial talks before the agreements lapse, and also calls for continued U.S. support for the FAS and for Hawaii to implement programs combating discrimination against FAS communities.