Bill > HCR160

This Concurrent Resolution celebrates the historical and ongoing ties between Hawaii and the Freely Associated States (FAS), which are independent nations—the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia—that have special agreements with the United States called the Compacts of Free Association (COFA). The resolution acknowledges the significant contributions of COFA migrants to Hawaii's economy and culture, condemns discrimination against them, and highlights the strategic importance of the FAS to U.S. national security, especially in light of increasing influence from China in the region. Crucially, it urges the President and Congress to appoint a lead negotiator to finalize stalled renegotiations of the COFA agreements before their financial provisions expire in 2023 and 2024, and also calls for continued U.S. support for the FAS and for Hawaii to implement programs combating discrimination against Pacific Island communities.