RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the political, economic, and security uncertainties caused by the anticipated armed conflict with Iraq rise with each passing day; and

WHEREAS, the impact of these uncertainties and of the preparations for war have had, are having, and will continue to have a particularly devastating psychological impact on the military families in the State; and

WHEREAS, although the civilian and military residents of the State enjoy an amicable relationship, the Legislature finds that during these particularly difficult times, a special effort must be made to establish bonds between our local and military residents that will last throughout and continue after the conclusion of the Iraqi crisis; and

WHEREAS, the Brunch on the Beach and Sunset on the Beach programs (Programs) sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu have been very successful in bringing local residents to Waikiki where they can commingle with Hawaii's tourist guests and various other areas on Oahu; and

WHEREAS, the Programs create a setting uniquely conducive for the exchange of aloha where local residents may extend the aloha of Hawaii to our island visitors and visitors may truly appreciate the warmth of the island's residents and return aloha in-kind; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature finds that the Programs can become a bridge between local and military residents that fortifies existing bonds and shows military residents that Hawaii truly values and appreciates their sacrifices; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, the Senate concurring, that the Hawaii Tourism Authority is requested to immediately plan and coordinate with the City and County of Honolulu and the appropriate military offices to expand the Programs to actively welcome and include the participation of military families and that consideration be given to moving the site of the Programs to locations in close proximity to military bases; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Hawaii Tourism Authority plan and coordinate the Programs with the utmost speed as armed conflict looms closer with each passing day; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Hawaii Tourism Authority report back to the Legislature as soon as possible on the progress made toward the planning and coordination of the Programs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, the chairperson of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, and the Commander, United States Pacific Command.

Report Title:

C&C Brunch on the Beach and Sunset on the Beach Program