WHEREAS, Ra`iatea is located in the southern part of the Leeward Islands and is the fourth largest island in the Society Islands; and

WHEREAS, Ra`iatea is the cradle of Polynesian civilizations; and

WHEREAS, it is believed that the Polynesians who discovered and settled Hawai`i embarked from Ra`iatea and named the new land after their ancient home; and

WHEREAS, Ra`iatea is also considered the foundation of Polynesia's spiritual culture and has many important archaeological sites, including the Taputapuatea Marae, Polynesia's most significant and well-preserved religious site; and

WHEREAS, in ancient times, priests traveled from Polynesian islands throughout the Pacific to the Taputapuatea Marae, a sacred temple that was built in the southeastern part of the island and dedicated to Oro, the Polynesian god of war; and

WHEREAS, the people of Hawai`i can celebrate their common Polynesian ancestry with the people of Ra`iatea through a cultural exchange between the two communities; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor of the Village of Taputapuatea has expressed a strong interest in developing a cultural exchange with the people of Hawai`i; and

WHEREAS, ideas for sharing and rejoicing in our common ancestry include a gathering in the Marae of outriggers from each corner of the Polynesian triangle, coordinated trips that would enable travelers to immerse themselves in the local lifestyle, and student exchanges;

WHEREAS, these ideas have the added benefit of stimulating economic development between the two regions; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2006, that this body recognize the importance of a cultural exchange between the people of Hawai`i and the people of Ra`iatea; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Ke Ala `Olino Native Cultural Center is requested to create a task force to help facilitate a cultural exchange between the people of Hawai`i and the Island of Ra`iatea; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall be comprised of eight members selected by Ke Ala `Olino Native Cultural Center and including at least one representative from:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force investigate and recommend various ways the people of Hawai`i and the Island of Ra`iatea can share and rejoice in their common ancestry;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force submit its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2007; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Ke Ala `Olino Native Cultural Center, the Mayor of the Village of Taputapuatea, the President of French Polynesia, and the President of the Assembly of French Polynesia.

Report Title:

Cultural Exchange; Island of Ra`iatea