HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

141

TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 


HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

URGING THE GOVERNOR TO SIGN THE CHARTER FOR COMPASSION and TO PROCLAIM HAWAII TO BE AN OFFICIAL COMPASSIONATE STATE.

 

 

 


     WHEREAS, the principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical, and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves, to honor the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and to treat everybody, without exception, with absolute justice and equity; and

 

     WHEREAS, over 100 religious leaders of the Progressive Interfaith Ohana for Hawaii (PIO) commit to Meeting Basic Needs Now throughout Hawaii Nei, including:

 

     (1)  Mālama āina;

 

     (2)  Healthy and local food production;

 

     (3)  Affordable housing;

 

     (4)  Quality accessible healthcare;

 

     (5)  Quality education;

 

     (6)  Personal safety and stable ohana;

 

     (7)  Responsible and effective governance; and

 

     (8)  Economic equity; and

 

     WHEREAS, ensuring economic equity and basic needs respectfully throughout Hawaii Nei requires a just society with responsible, effective, and compassionate governance; and

     WHEREAS, the U.S. Conference of Mayors declares that being part of a compassionate city, region, or nation empowers citizens to develop a sense of cooperation and reinvigorated hope; and

 

     WHEREAS, the U.S. Conference of Mayors also declares that early intervention with compassionate policies creates positive change for at risk youth and saves money otherwise spent dealing with social problems, in effect converting resources from mitigating negatives to promoting positives; and

 

     WHEREAS, Chapter 226, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the Hawaii State Planning Act, identifies the principles or values that are an integral part of Hawaii society and the underlying theme of the State Plan, including Section 226-3(3), Hawaii Revised Statutes, which reads:

 

"Community or social well-being is a value that encompasses many things.  In essence, it refers to healthy social, economic, and physical environments that benefit the community as a whole.  A sense of social responsibility, of caring for others and for the well-being of our community and of participating in social and political life, are important aspects of this concept.  It further implies the aloha spirit--attitudes of tolerance, respect, cooperation and unselfish giving, within which Hawaii's society can progress."; and

 

     WHEREAS, the International Campaign to sign the Charter for Compassion is a global campaign inspired by the Golden Rule to encourage public leadership to increase compassion through local initiatives, policy, and projects; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-seventh Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2014, that this body urges the Governor to sign the Charter for Compassion and to proclaim the State of Hawaii to be an official Compassionate State; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body and the Governor commit to work together to make compassion a standard for State governance to realize the transformational physical, spiritual, social, and economic benefits that flow from compassionate governance; and

    

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

Report Title: 

Proclaim Hawaii to be an Official Compassionate State