STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1952

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.C.R. No. 16

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 16, H.D. 1, entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING FEBRUARY 24, 2023, AS "REMEMBER UKRAINE DAY IN HAWAII","

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to designate February 24, 2023, as "Remember Ukraine Day in Hawaii"

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Stonewall Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, Hawaii Stands With Ukraine, and three individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that on February 24, 2022, the military forces of Russia attacked the neighboring country of Ukraine in an unprovoked invasion. 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, the global diplomatic, ideological, and moral response, led by the United States and its allies, set a precedent especially for other nations who would deploy similar tactics against peaceful neighboring countries. This measure upholds human rights, individual freedoms, and remembers the devastating toll of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Deleting language that would have designated February 24, 2023, as "Remember Ukraine Day in Hawaii";

(2) Inserting language affirming support and solidarity with the free and independent people of Ukraine;

(3) Amending its title in accordance with its amended purpose; and

(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 16, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 16, H.D. 1, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts,

________________________________

CHRIS LEE, Chair