Convention Discussion & Straw Vote: Passed
Approve: 64
Disapprove: 5
Abstain: 8
Whereas, the internationally recognized, sovereign Kingdom of Hawaii was illegally overthrown in 1893 and illegally annexed by the United States in 1898, resulting in its ongoing illegal occupation by the US government and its military;
Whereas, Veterans For Peace stands in unwavering solidarity with the Hawaiian people in their enduring struggle for peace, dignity, human rights, protection of the environment, and the restoration of sovereignty;
Whereas, Hawaii has been burdened for over a century as the un-consenting host to every branch of the US military, including the largest naval war practice in the world, the biennial Rim of the Pacific international military exercise, RIMPAC;
Whereas, the sacred lands of Hawaii, from Kaho'olawe to Red Hill, have suffered continuous bombardment and desecration for 130 years;
Therefore be it resolved, that Veterans for Peace Chapter 113, based in Hawaii and comprised of peace-seeking veterans of the US military, can no longer in good conscience remain solely a US national-affiliate chapter of Veterans For Peace; and
Be it further resolved, that henceforth, Veterans for Peace Chapter 113 Hawaii shall be recognized as the national chapter of occupied Hawaii and an international chapter of Veterans For Peace, on par with chapters in Okinawa, Ireland, Vietnam, Mexico, and throughout the United States.
Submitted by Jayson Mizula, Ann Wright, and Pete Doktor on behalf of VFP Chapter 113 - Hawaii