HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

164

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

reaffirming the value and meaning of aloha in the face of Military action against iraq.

 

 

WHEREAS, the fabric of our society is dependent upon our love, compassion, and respect for one another, and our tolerance for opposing or dissenting viewpoints; and

WHEREAS, these basic, foundational principles are reflected in the uniquely Hawaiian spirit of aloha; and

WHEREAS, in addition to its use in greetings, farewells, and salutations, the word aloha also possesses a richer, deeper meaning of unconditional mutual respect and affection, and represents the essence of community relationships where each person is important to every other person for collective existence; and

WHEREAS, although our society continues to strive to achieve these ideals, situations arise that challenge our resolve and goad us into succumbing to the darker side of humanity, including our penchant for making war; and

WHEREAS, the history of Hawai`i is replete with examples of courageous leaders who overcame the temptation to engage in war; and

WHEREAS, the "peace of Kamalo`ohua", named after a chief of O`ahu who objected to the murder of another chief even during times of warfare, has been cited as a precedent for securing peaceful endings to hostilities; and

WHEREAS, Queen Lili'uokalani demonstrated a deep aversion to warfare as a means to achieve her objectives, even during her struggle to claim the throne of Hawai`i, which was rightfully hers; and

WHEREAS, many of Hawai`i's residents are faced once again with war, this time in Iraq; and

WHEREAS, it may be possible to resolve the crisis through peaceful means, including mediation, diplomatic and economic pressure, and inspections; and

WHEREAS, the search for peaceful solutions to the crisis demonstrates our commitment to the spirit of aloha; and

WHEREAS, for the spirit of aloha to triumph and to be reciprocated, it must be first initiated, as captured in the Native Hawaiian verse "Aloha mai nō, aloha aku; O ka huhū ka mea e ola ole'ai" (When love is given, love should be returned. Anger is the thing that gives no life); now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawai`i, Regular Session of 2003, that the Legislature reaffirms the value and meaning of aloha in the face of military action against Iraq; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature supports alternative proposals made in the spirit of aloha that promote nonviolent solutions to the current crisis in Iraq.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States and Hawaii's Congressional delegation.

Report Title:

Reaffirming aloha; Iraq war