Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR160

Introduced
3/11/22  
Refer
3/14/22  
Report Pass
3/29/22  

Caption

Celebrating The Ties Between Hawaii And The Freely Associated States And Urging The President Of The United States And United States Congress To Appoint A Lead Negotiator To Revitalize And Finalize The Stalled Renegotiation Of The Compacts Of Free Association Prior To The Compacts' Expiration.

Impact

HR160 recognizes the unique relationship between the United States and COFA communities, emphasizing the need for continued economic and scientific assistance. The resolution condemns discrimination against Pacific Island communities and encourages initiatives to support their integration, such as expanding language access and addressing bullying in schools. It aims to promote awareness of the contributions of COFA citizens, who actively partake in cultural practices and serve in the U.S. Armed Forces at higher rates compared to other states. Furthermore, it acknowledges the longstanding geopolitical relevance of the Freely Associated States, particularly in the context of U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Summary

House Resolution 160 (HR160) celebrates the historical ties between Hawaii and the Freely Associated States (Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Federated States of Micronesia), urging the United States President and Congress to appoint a lead negotiator to finalize the stalled renegotiation of the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) before their expiration. The resolution underscores the strategic importance of these nations to U.S. national security and highlights the contributions of COFA migrants to Hawaii's economy and cultural vibrancy. COFA migrants are recognized for their significant economic contributions totaling approximately $336,200,000 to Hawaii's Gross Domestic Product in 2017.

Contention

Although HR160 passed with bipartisan support in the House, discussions around the renegotiation of COFA have been contentious, largely due to the stalled negotiations that could affect funding and support for these nations. Critics might contend that failing to resolve the issues promptly could undermine the economic stability of COFA communities in Hawaii while also adversely impacting U.S. strategic interests in the Pacific as global dynamics shift, particularly with increasing influence from China in the region. This resolution represents a step towards addressing the concerns associated with both the expiring compacts and the broader implications for cultural and economic partnerships.

Companion Bills

HI HCR160

Same As Celebrating The Ties Between Hawaii And The Freely Associated States And Urging The President Of The United States And United States Congress To Appoint A Lead Negotiator To Revitalize And Finalize The Stalled Renegotiation Of The Compacts Of Free Association Prior To The Compacts' Expiration.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR223

Urging The United States Congress To Pass Legislation To Allow Migrants To The United States From Compacts Of Free Association States To Benefit From Federal Emergency Aid.

HI SR199

Urging The United States Congress To Pass Legislation To Allow Migrants To The United States From Compacts Of Free Association States To Benefit From Federal Emergency Aid.

HI SB144

Relating To Compacts Of Free Association.

HI HR111

Urging The United States Department Of The Interior To Work With The Office Of The Governor, Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands, United States Congressional Delegations From Hawaii, And Sovereign Council Of Hawaiian Homestead Associations To Make A Determination In Support Of Act 80, Session Laws Of Hawaii 2017.

HI HCR130

Urging The United States Department Of The Interior To Work With The Office Of The Governor, Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands, United States Congressional Delegations From Hawaii, And Sovereign Council Of Hawaiian Homestead Associations To Make A Determination In Support Of Act 80, Session Laws Of Hawaii 2017.

HI HR88

Urging The President Of The United States And United States Congress To Exempt Hawaii From The Jones Act.

HI HR80

Supporting A Closer Partnership Between The United States And Taiwan In Values And Common Goals, The Relationships And Exchanges Between The State Of Hawaii And Taiwan, Taiwan's International Participation, And The Signing Of A United States-taiwan Bilateral Trade Agreement.

HI HCR107

Urging The President Of The United States And United States Congress To Exempt Hawaii From The Jones Act.

HI HCR96

Supporting A Closer Partnership Between The United States And Taiwan In Values And Common Goals, The Relationships And Exchanges Between The State Of Hawaii And Taiwan, Taiwan's International Participation, And The Signing Of A United States-taiwan Bilateral Trade Agreement.

HI HR91

Urging The President Of The United States And United States Congress To Return The United States Monetary System To The Gold Standard.

Similar Bills

HI HCR160

Celebrating The Ties Between Hawaii And The Freely Associated States And Urging The President Of The United States And United States Congress To Appoint A Lead Negotiator To Revitalize And Finalize The Stalled Renegotiation Of The Compacts Of Free Association Prior To The Compacts' Expiration.

HI SCR236

Recognizing The Historic, Cultural, And Strategic Connections Among The Peoples Of Oceania, Of Which Hawaii Is A Part, And Urging Greater Collaboration With Governments Of Nations And Programs And Training To Combat Discrimination Against Pacific Island Communities.

HI HCR159

Recognizing The Historic, Cultural, And Strategic Connections Among The Peoples Of Oceania, Of Which Hawaii Is A Part, And Urging Greater Collaboration With Governments Of These Nations And Implementation Of Programs And Training To Combat Discrimination Against Pacific Island Communities.

HI SR137

Recognizing The Historic, Cultural, And Strategic Connections Among The Peoples Of Oceania, Of Which Hawaii Is A Part, And Urging Greater Collaboration With Governments Of Nations And Programs And Training To Combat Discrimination Against Pacific Island Communities.

HI HR159

Recognizing The Historic, Cultural, And Strategic Connections Among The Peoples Of Oceania, Of Which Hawaii Is A Part, And Urging Greater Collaboration With Governments Of These Nations And Implementation Of Programs And Training To Combat Discrimination Against Pacific Island Communities.

HI SB768

Relating To Language Access.

HI SB768

Relating To Language Access.

HI SCR102

Encouraging The Facilitation Of A Path To Citizenship For Immigrants From Parties To The Compacts Of Free Association.