RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, anthropological evidence suggests that `awa, as it is called in Hawaiian, has been cultivated and consumed by humans for well over three thousand years; and

WHEREAS, historically, over a dozen types of `awa, or Piper methysticum, were known in Hawai`i; and

WHEREAS, in Hawai`i, these different variations were used to name distinct varieties, recognized by those who knew the plant well; and

WHEREAS, in Hawai`i, `awa was commonly used until the end of the nineteenth century; and

WHEREAS, traditionally, `awa was considered to be a beneficial herb for healthy individuals, but to be avoided by the sick or infirm; and

WHEREAS, `awa was considered not only a medicinal plant, but it was consumed as a ceremonial beverage as well; and

WHEREAS, in Hawai`i, `awa was used by the ali`i and kahuna, as well as commoners, for medicinal purposes and also to promote relaxation; and

WHEREAS, in a traditional context, there were three major kinds of `awa ceremonies:

WHEREAS, in Hawai`i, `awa was drunk during divination ceremonies, naming of children aged one years old, the consecrating of a male child, or initiating of young girls into traditional hula and chanting; and

WHEREAS, the feelings of camaraderie that `awa drinking evokes has made it a symbol for peace and friendship in many island nations of the Pacific; and

WHEREAS, `awa is still used today by a wide range of Pacific societies for spiritual, medicinal, and recreational purposes; and

WHEREAS, recently, `awa has seen a resurgence in popularity in Hawai`i and elsewhere; and

WHEREAS, due to this resurgence, the local demand for `awa has outpaced the local industry's ability to supply it, requiring many to purchase `awa from other Pacific island sources such as Vanuatu; and

WHEREAS, Hawai`i's rich cultural, historic, and ceremonial traditions that are tied to `awa should be preserved and fostered to ensure that this knowledge, experience, and indigenous product is available for future generations of Hawai`i residents; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawai`i, Regular Session of 2006, the Senate concurring, that `awa be considered the official state beverage; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Departments of Agriculture, Land and Natural Resources, and Business, Economic Development, and Tourism are urged to encourage the propagation, cultivation, and production of `awa in the State; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture, the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the `Awa Development Council.

Report Title:

`Awa; Considered as Official State Beverage