RESOLUTION

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

WHEREAS, the painstaking efforts of United Nations weapons inspectors have revealed a serious lack of compliance by the government of Iraq with Security Council resolutions that call for disarmament and the destruction of materials used to build weapons of mass destruction; and

WHEREAS, this has resulted in the U.S. administration increasingly preparing for war, as evidenced by the large buildup of military troops, materials, and supplies in the Middle East; and

WHEREAS, there is increasing evidence that indicates armed conflict between Iraq and the United States is imminent; and

WHEREAS, the men and women of America's armed services, without hesitation, will once again stand fast against those that threaten the security of our 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 September 11^th 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, family members of armed services personnel also make the ultimate sacrifice and are separated from their loved ones for months, or even years, oftentimes not knowing the whereabouts or condition of their armed services family member; and

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

WHEREAS, in the spirit of aloha, so cherished by the people of Hawaii, the Legislature would like to do all it can to ease the pain, suffering, and hardship being experienced by members of the armed services and their families; 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, in conjunction with the airline and hotel industry, develop and implement a plan to provide reduced airfares and hotel accommodations to visiting relatives and family members of military personnel to show our aloha for their sacrifice; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this program be developed and implemented 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 developing and implementing this program; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Airlines Committee of Hawaii, the Hawaii Hotel Association, the Retail Merchants of Hawaii, A3H, the Car and Truck Renting and Leasing Association, the Hawaii Activities & Tours Association and the Hawaii Restaurant Association.

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