Bill
HCR 119
Hawaii urges stronger U.S.–Taiwan ties, supports Taiwan’s observer participation in key international bodies, and calls for starting negotiations on a U.S.–Taiwan bilateral trade a
Status
- Concurrent resolution introduced: March 19, 2025
- Adopted (as amended, SD1) by the Legislature; Senate recorded one “No” vote (Sen. Awa) on adoption.
- Enrolled and transmitted to Governor; signed by the Governor on April 22, 2025.
- Companion measure: HR 115.
Purpose and intent
HCR 119 is a non‑binding, concurrent resolution expressing the State of Hawaii’s support for deeper U.S.–Taiwan economic and institutional engagement, commemorating Hawaii–Taiwan ties, and urging federal action to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement. It also calls for Taiwan’s meaningful/observer participation in selected international organizations.
Key provisions
- Endorses Taiwan’s participation as an observer in:
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL)
- Expresses Hawaii’s support for the first agreement under the U.S.–Taiwan Initiative on 21st‑Century Trade and encourages the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to commence negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan.
- Commemorates Hawaii’s sister‑state relationship with Taiwan (established 1993; the resolution cites the 32nd anniversary) and affirms support for mutual exchanges in tourism, agriculture, culture, education, and economic cooperation.
- Highlights education cooperation (U.S.–Taiwan Education Initiative, 2020), Mandarin as a designated critical language, Taiwan’s bilingual-by‑2030 goal, and specific institutional ties (e.g., University of Hawaiʻi and National Tsing Hua University).
- Notes Taiwan’s humanitarian and cooperative actions, including a cited $500,000 contribution from the Taiwan government to Hawaii after the 2023 Maui wildfires.
- Directs that certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to specified domestic and foreign officials (the adopted SD1 version lists recipients including the President of the United States, U.S. congressional leaders, U.S. Secretary of State, Hawaii’s congressional delegation, the Governor, and the Director of Business, Economic Development & Tourism; versions of the measure varied with respect to which foreign head of state was listed).
Who is affected / impact
- Hawaii: Symbolically reinforces the state’s existing sister‑state, educational, cultural, tourism, and economic ties with Taiwan; supports continued subnational exchanges and cooperation.
- Federal policy: The resolution is advisory/symbolic only — it does not change federal law or bind federal negotiators — but it formally requests and supports U.S. executive‑branch action (USTR) to begin bilateral trade talks with Taiwan and supports Taiwan’s observer roles in international fora.
- Taiwan and international organizations: The resolution is a public expression of support that may be cited in diplomatic/public advocacy for Taiwan’s participation and for enhanced U.S.–Taiwan trade relations.
Procedural notes
- Advanced through Hawaii committees (Economic Development, Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, TCA), amended in House (HD1) and in Senate (SD1).
- Final adopted form (SD1) was returned from the Senate (Sen. Com. No. 840) and signed by the Governor on April 22, 2025.
- As a concurrent resolution, HCR 119 communicates the State’s position but does not create legally enforceable obligations.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
