Endorsing Taiwan's International Participation, Supporting The Signing Of A United States-taiwan Bilateral Trade Agreement, And Commemorating The Relationships And Exchanges Between The State Of Hawaii And Taiwan.
Summary
SCR 31 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution expressing Hawaii’s support for Taiwan’s broader participation in international organizations and for stronger United States-Taiwan economic ties. The resolution endorses Taiwan’s observer participation in the World Health Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, International Criminal Police Organization, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and it urges the United States Trade Representative to begin negotiations toward a bilateral trade agreement with Taiwan. It also references Taiwan’s interest in related agreements, including a bilateral investment agreement and an agreement to avoid double taxation.
The resolution further commemorates the long-standing sister-state relationship between Hawaii and Taiwan, which dates to 1993, and highlights cooperation in tourism, agriculture, culture, education, and disaster recovery. It specifically notes Taiwan’s contribution to Hawaii after the 2023 Maui wildfires and encourages continued exchanges between Hawaii institutions and counterparts in Taiwan, including educational partnerships and Mandarin-language cooperation.
Impact
Because SCR 31 is a concurrent resolution rather than a bill, it does not amend Hawaii statutes or create enforceable state law. Its practical effect is to formally state the Legislature’s position on foreign policy and international engagement, to transmit that position to federal officials, and to encourage continued state-level cooperation with Taiwan through business, education, and cultural exchanges. The resolution may also support advocacy for trade and diplomatic initiatives at the federal level, but it does not itself authorize new programs or spending.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests strong support for the measure. In the Senate Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee, the resolution passed 4-0 with amendments, indicating unanimous support among those voting and a generally favorable committee reception. The text itself is highly supportive of Taiwan and frames the relationship in terms of shared democratic values, trade, education, and mutual assistance.
Contention
No major opposition is reflected in the provided materials, and there are no committee transcripts indicating substantive debate. The only identifiable area that could draw policy sensitivity is the resolution’s support for Taiwan’s participation in international bodies and its encouragement of a bilateral trade agreement, both of which touch on U.S.-China-Taiwan relations and federal foreign policy. However, the record provided does not show any specific objections or divided views among legislators.
Same As
Endorsing Taiwan's International Participation, Supporting The Signing Of A United States-taiwan Bilateral Trade Agreement, And Commemorating The Relationships And Exchanges Between The State Of Hawaii And Taiwan.