LEGISLATIVE GENERAL COUNSEL S.J.R. 9
6 Approved for Filing: G. Harb 6
6 01-23-24 9:30 AM 6
1 JOINT RESOLUTION HONORING UTAH'S NATIVE
2 HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER CULTURES AND
3 COMMUNITIES
4 2024 GENERAL SESSION
5 STATE OF UTAH
6 Chief Sponsor: Karen Kwan
7 House Sponsor: Tyler Clancy
8
9 LONG TITLE
10 General Description:
11 This resolution honors Utah's Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cultures and
12 communities.
13 Highlighted Provisions:
14 This resolution:
15 < recognizes the contributions of Utah's Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander
16 communities to the prosperity of the state; and
17 < encourages residents of the state to participate in events fostering an appreciation of
18 Utah's Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
19 Special Clauses:
20 None
21
22 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
23 WHEREAS, Utah is home to over 59,000 residents of Native Hawaiian or Pacific
24 Islander descent, making Utah the state within the continental United States with the largest
S.J.R. 9
25 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in proportion to the total state population;
26 WHEREAS, Utah's Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities have ancestral
27 ties to over 20 island societies across Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia;
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28 WHEREAS, Utah's Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities have played a
29 pivotal role in shaping the state's cultural landscape beginning in the 1870s, when Native
30 Hawaiian and Pacific Islander residents first migrated to the Salt Lake Valley, established
31 agricultural enterprises, and supported the building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
32 Saints Temple;
33 WHEREAS, members of Utah's Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities
34 have achieved excellence in numerous professional, academic, and public arenas, holding
35 leadership positions in state and local governments, educational systems, the broadcast media
36 industry, the transportation industry, the legal field, as well as many other notable
37 achievements;
38 WHEREAS, the ongoing contributions of Utah's Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander
39 communities continue to enhance the state's prosperity through economic development, civic
40 engagement, education, health care, and the advancement of arts, culture, and sports;
41 WHEREAS, the protective social factors and strong family values modeled by the
42 members of Utah's Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities imprint positive
43 influences on Utah's society as a whole;
44 WHEREAS, younger generations of Utah's Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander
45 communities shape the future of the state through advancements and involvement in academia,
46 entrepreneurship, innovation, and community development;
47 WHEREAS, longstanding annual events celebrating Utah's Native Hawaiian and
48 Pacific Islander cultures, including the Iosepa Memorial Celebration, Öº the »Ö Friendly Islands
48a Öº Tongan »Ö Festival,
49 Samoan Heritage Festival, Liberation and Independence Days throughout Micronesia, and the
50 Pacific Islander Heritage Month, serve as important venues to share and preserve the values,
51 traditions, and talents of the state's Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities; and
52 WHEREAS, embracing Utah's cultural diversity, including the state's Native Hawaiian
53 and Pacific Islander communities, fosters unity, understanding, and mutual respect among all
54 residents in the state:
55 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah
56 recognizes and celebrates the rich and diverse cultures represented by Utah's Native Hawaiian
57 and Pacific Islander communities.
58 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah pays tribute to
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59 Utah's Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities for a legacy of lasting contributions
60 across all sectors in the state.
61 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah encourages
62 educational institutions, community organizations, and the residents of the state to participate
63 in events and activities that promote an understanding and appreciation of Utah's Native
64 Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
65 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah is committed to
66 cultivating productive relationships with the leaders of Utah's Native Hawaiian and Pacific
67 Islander communities in order to address the needs of the communities.
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