RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, armed conflict between Iraq and the United States appears imminent; and

WHEREAS, the men and women of America's armed services, without hesitation, will once again stand fast against those who threaten the security of this nation; and

WHEREAS, the substantial presence of the military in this State has not only contributed to the economic prosperity of Hawaii, but more importantly, to our sense of security in these post-9/11 times; and

WHEREAS, the people of Hawaii are cognizant that the anxiety of armed services families is becoming especially acute with the impending conflict with Iraq; and

WHEREAS, of particular concern to the people of Hawaii are the school-aged members of military families whose apprehensions also burden the people of this State; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature expresses, on behalf of the people of Hawaii, gratitude and deep appreciation for the sacrifices of the members of the armed services and their families; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature finds that schools with populations of military dependents are exceptionally suitable sites for expression of the sentiments of the people of Hawaii in this matter, to Hawaii's military family members; 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 Department of Education (DOE) is requested to develop and implement programs designed to impart to military dependent students that the people of Hawaii are very grateful for, and deeply appreciative of the sacrifices of armed services members and their families; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that DOE take special care to impart to military dependent students that individuals opposing the war with Iraq are not necessarily opposing the actions of the student's armed services member parent; in fact anti-war protesters may be very concerned for the well-being of the student's parent; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED these programs be developed and implemented with the utmost speed as armed conflict looms closer with each passing day; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that DOE report back to the Legislature as soon as possible on the progress made toward developing and implementing these programs.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Chairperson of the Board of Education, Adjutant General, and Commander, United States Pacific Command.

Report Title:

Children of military families.