WHEREAS, on
February 24, 2022, the military forces of Russia under the command of President
Vladimir Putin attacked its peaceful neighboring country of Ukraine with an
unprovoked invasion, with the aim of undermining the freedom of the Ukrainian
people and subverting global movements for democracy; and
WHEREAS, people all over the world were deeply moved by the tragic
loss of human life, intentional targeting of Ukrainian noncombatants and
massive destruction inflicted upon Ukraine as a result of Russia's aggression;
and
WHEREAS, the invasion of Ukraine is a dangerous development that
has far-reaching implications, especially in how aggressive regimes that are at
odds with freedom or democracy treat weaker neighbors; and
WHEREAS, the United States of America's and the rest of the free
world's diplomatic, ideological, and most importantly, moral response to the
invasion of Ukraine sets a precedent, and countries
like the People's Republic of China are closely observing that response as they
express their territorial ambitions for the Republic of Taiwan; and
WHEREAS, this body is concerned about the possibility of new conflicts,
escalations, and crises in the Indo-Pacific region that may result if weakness
is perceived in the Western world's response to the Russian invasion of
Ukraine, and therefore believes freedom-loving people everywhere must condemn
aggression and land grabs; and
WHEREAS, the people of the State of Hawaii stand in solidarity with
the people of Ukraine, as the military conflict there affects us all and
represents a symbolic conflict between democracy and tyranny, in which we must
all stand for the rights of our fellow human beings; and
WHEREAS, during the 2022 General Assembly of the Hawaii Government
Employees Association, Resolution 1, "Urging the Hawaii State Legislature
to Show Solidarity with the People of Ukraine Against Russian Aggression by Declaring
February 24, 2023 as 'Remember Ukraine Day in Hawaii'" was introduced and
passed with unanimous consent; now, therefore,
BE IT
RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-second Legislature of
the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2023, that
February 24, 2023, be designated as "Remember Ukraine Day in Hawaii";
and
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that
certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the President of the
United States of America; President of Ukraine; U.S. Representative to the
United Nations; U.S. Secretary of State; Governor of Hawaii; and Hawaii
Government Employees Association.
Report Title:
Remember
Ukraine Day in Hawaii