WHEREAS, while the natural beauty of Hawaii is recognized throughout the world, the real beauty of our island state lies in its people who, through their personal relationships with their families, friends, and neighbors, and through their dedicated efforts to serve the needs of the people of Hawaii, have created the prosperity and high standards of living which we all enjoy; and

WHEREAS, the FILIPINO NURSES ORGANIZATION OF HAWAII was founded in 1973 by the late Mrs. Ines Viernes Cayaban, who was the first Filipino registered nurse in Hawaii, and has grown to over 400 members under its current leadership; and

WHEREAS, the mission of the FILIPINO NURSES ORGANIZATION OF HAWAII is to promote fellowship among Filipino nurses and to collaborate with other community organizations in the promotion of Filipino heritage, including fostering high standards of nursing; stimulating and promoting the professional and educational advancement of nurses; networking to promote, protect, and advance the economic and general welfare of nurses; and promoting continual improvement of health standards and availability of healthcare services for all people; and

WHEREAS, the FILIPINO NURSES ORGANIZATION OF HAWAII awards $1000 scholarships each year to deserving student nurses screened by the Hawaii Community Foundation and selected by Filipino Nurses Organization of Hawaii's scholarship committee; and

WHEREAS, in efforts to fulfill its belief that Filipino nurses should be afforded staff development opportunities to maintain and advance their nursing knowledge and skills, the FILIPINO NURSES ORGANIZATION OF HAWAII sponsors yearly conferences for nurses and provides continuing education classes for primary caregivers and care home operators; and

WHEREAS, since 2000, the FILIPINO NURSES ORGANIZATION OF HAWAII has recognized deserving nurses with "Nursing Excellence Awards in Clinical Practice and Nursing Leadership" every year; and

WHEREAS, the FILIPINO NURSES ORGANIZATION OF HAWAII operates with the philosophy that active participation and collaboration with community organizations will foster a positive image for Filipino nurses, and therefore provides assistance to other organizations in the healthcare service industry, including the Aloha Medical Mission, Organ Donor Center of Hawaii, and Cancer Research Center of Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, the FILIPINO NURSES ORGANIZATION OF HAWAII also involves Filipino nurses with legislation relating to professional nursing, to foster the development and growth of the organization and to serve the interests of its members; and

WHEREAS, the FILIPINO NURSES ORGANIZATION OF HAWAII is celebrating its 32nd anniversary on May 7, 2005; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, that this body hereby honors and congratulates the members of the FILIPINO NURSES ORGANIZATION OF HAWAII for the excellent work they have done for the benefit of the medical profession in Hawaii as well as for Hawaii's residents, and extends to them its warmest aloha and best regards for continued success in all future endeavors.

Report Title:

FILIPINO NURSES ORGANIZATION OF HAWAII; 32^ND ANNIVERSARY