REAFFIRMING THE LEGISLATURE'S COMMITMENT TO PARTICIPATE AS A MEMBER LEGISLATURE IN THE PACIFIC INTER-PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY.

SCR163

THE SENATE

S.C.R. NO.

163

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

reaffirming the legislature's commitment to participate
as a member legislature in the pacific inter-parliamentary assembly.

����
WHEREAS, the
Pacific Islands Parliamentary Group was established in 2019 by parliaments and
legislative assemblies across the Pacific region to strengthen
inter-parliamentary cooperation, facilitate the exchange of best legislative
practices, and support democratic institutions throughout Oceania; and

����
WHEREAS, the Legislature
has participated in the Pacific Islands Parliamentary Group since 2019,
recognizing Hawai
ʻ
i's
unique geographic, cultural, and historical ties to the peoples and nations of
the Pacific; and

����
WHEREAS, in
August 2025, member legislatures adopted statutes establishing the Pacific
Inter-Parliamentary Assembly as the successor organization to the Pacific
Islands Parliamentary Group, expanding the framework for cooperation among
Pacific legislatures and formalizing its governance structure as a regional
association of Pacific parliaments and legislative assemblies; and

����
WHEREAS, the
Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly seeks to strengthen democratic governance,
enhance legislative cooperation, and provide a platform for Pacific
legislatures to collaborate on shared priorities, including climate resilience,
sustainable development, ocean stewardship, cultural preservation, and economic
resilience across the region; and

����
WHEREAS, the
vision of the Blue Pacific Continent reflects a shared commitment among Pacific
peoples to strengthen regional solidarity, protect the Pacific Ocean, and
advance a resilient and prosperous future for the region; and

����
WHEREAS, Hawai
ʻ
i's geographic
location, indigenous heritage, and longstanding cultural and historical
connections across Oceania position the State as a natural bridge between
Pacific Island nations and the United States, fostering dialogue, partnership,
and collaboration among Pacific legislatures; and

����
WHEREAS, continued
engagement in the Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly allows the Legislature
to support Pacific-led regional cooperation, exchange legislative expertise,
and elevate the voices and priorities of Pacific communities in regional
dialogue; and

����
WHEREAS, the
transition from the Pacific Islands Parliamentary Group to the Pacific
Inter-Parliamentary Assembly requires participating legislatures to formally
reaffirm their membership under the newly established institutional framework;
now, therefore,

����
BE IT
RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii,
Regular Session of 2026, the House of Representatives concurring, that this
body reaffirms its commitment to participate as a member legislature in the
Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly; and

����
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that that continued participation in the Pacific Inter-Parliamentary
Assembly will strengthen parliamentary cooperation between Hawai
ʻ
i and other Pacific
legislatures and advance shared priorities across the Pacific region; and

����
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the
Governor; President of the Senate; Speaker of the House of Representatives;
President of the East-West Center; Chairman of the Board of the Pacific Inter-Parliamentary
Assembly; Secretariat of the Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly; and Parliament
of French Polynesia.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:
�

Pacific
Inter-Parliamentary Assembly; Membership