HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

68

TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING THE governor and legislature TO SIGN the charter for compassion proclaiming hawaii a compassionate community.

 

 

 


     WHEREAS, the principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical, and spiritual traditions, calling on us to always treat 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, ensuring economic equity and basic needs respectfully throughout Hawaii Nei requires a just society with responsible, effective, and compassionate governance; and

 

     WHEREAS, the United States Conference of Mayors has declared that being a part of a compassionate community empowers citizens to develop a sense of cooperation and reinvigorated hope; and

 

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

 

     WHEREAS, the Hawaii State Planning Act, codified under Chapter 226 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, identifies the principles or values that are an integral part of Hawaii's society and the underlying theme of the state plan, including section 226-3 (3), which states:  "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-eighth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2015, that the Governor and the Legislature are encouraged to sign the Charter for Compassion and the Governor is encouraged to proclaim the State of Hawaii to be an official Compassionate Community; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor and the Legislature commit to work together to make compassion a standard for State governance in order 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 and copies of the Charter for Compassion be transmitted to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Charter for Compassion; Proclaiming Hawaii a Compassionate Community