Hawaii Senate Bill SR178

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 4/6/22
• Passed: 4/7/22

Caption

Denouncing Russia's Actions Causing A Humanitarian Crisis In Ukraine And Urging The United States Congress To Take Concrete Action To Support Ukrainian Refugees And To Increase The Refugee Limits For The United States And Increase Funding Related To Those Efforts.

Impact

The resolution positions the State of Hawaii as a proactive advocate within the U.S. for increased humanitarian aid. By formally condemning Russia's actions and calling for specific measures to support Ukrainian refugees, SR178 contributes to a broader national dialogue on refugee resettlement and humanitarian response. It urges Congress to reassess and potentially increase the U.S. capabilities to accommodate refugees fleeing the ongoing conflict. This aligns with international humanitarian standards and sentiments calling for greater support of those affected by war.

Summary

Senate Resolution 178 (SR178) seeks to denounce the actions of Russia which have caused a significant humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The resolution highlights the catastrophic consequences of the Russian invasion, which has led to millions of Ukrainians fleeing their homes amidst ongoing violence and destruction. It explicitly calls on the United States Congress to take decisive action to support Ukrainian refugees, advocating for increased refugee admission limits and enhanced funding for humanitarian assistance. The resolution emphasizes the urgency of addressing the needs of displaced individuals both inside Ukraine and across Europe.

Sentiment

Sentiment surrounding SR178 is largely supportive, reflecting a unifying perspective among legislators regarding the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. The resolution has received unanimous support in committee, indicating bipartisan agreement on the necessity of U.S. involvement in aiding Ukrainian refugees. However, some contention arises regarding the adequacy and sufficiency of U.S. efforts thus far, with concerns about the need for more extensive and immediate actions to support both refugee resettlement and aid to crisis-impacted areas.

Contention

Despite the positive reception of SR178, there exists a backdrop of debate over how the U.S. government should handle the influx of refugees and what specific measures are most effective in offering aid. Concerns are raised regarding the challenges faced by countries like Poland, Romania, and Moldova that are significantly impacted by the high volume of Ukrainian refugees. Calls for enhanced international support to these nations and a greater refugee commitment from the U.S. are part of the discussions surrounding this resolution, underscoring the delicate balance of humanitarian responsibility and logistical capability.