THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	154
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE 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 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 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, 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 i and other Pacific legislatures and advance shared priorities across the Pacific region; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this 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:

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Report Title: 

Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly; Membership