Hawaii House Bill HCR8

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/22
• Refer: 2/4/22
• Report Pass: 3/29/22
• Refer: 3/29/22
• Report Pass: 4/7/22
• Engrossed: 4/7/22
• Refer: 4/12/22
• Report Pass: 4/26/22
• Passed: 4/28/22

Caption

Requesting The Display Of The Prisoner Of War And Missing In Action Flag At The State Capitol.

Impact

If adopted, HCR8 will promote increased awareness and recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel who were imprisoned or went missing in action. The visibility of the flag at the Capitol is intended to serve as a continual reminder of these individuals’ plight and the ongoing efforts to honor their families. This resolution aligns Hawaii with other states that have adopted similar measures, ensuring that the POW/MIA flag is prominently displayed throughout the year, thus solidifying its symbolic presence in public spaces and state events.

Summary

HCR8, a House Concurrent Resolution from Hawaii's Thirty-first Legislature, is a legislative proposal requesting the display of the Prisoner of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA) flag at the State Capitol. The resolution acknowledges the symbolic significance of the POW/MIA flag, which was designed by the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia, as a tribute to the commitments made by the nation to address the fates of American military personnel who are still unaccounted for. The bill proposes that this flag be flown annually during designated days of remembrance such as Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, and the National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR8 has been generally positive, particularly among veteran communities and advocacy groups that support the recognition of military personnel's sacrifices. Many view the display of the flag as a critical step in honoring those who served and the families still affected by their absence. Some legislators have embraced the resolution not only as an act of remembrance but also as a necessary acknowledgment of the consequences of war and conflicts.

Contention

While there are no significant points of contention recorded regarding HCR8, discussions may arise in the future about the allocation of resources to maintain and promote the flag’s display and the potential for expanding similar commemorative practices to other groups of veterans. As public sentiment around military issues can be sensitive, proponents stress the importance of maintaining focus on commemoration without politicizing the intentions behind the resolution.