Councilmember Bob Jacobson
Hawai`i County Council District 6 Upper Puna-Ka`u-South Kona

COUNTY OF HAWAI'I                                               STATE OF HAWAI'I 
RESOLUTION NO. 56 O3 

A RESOLUTION OF THE HAWAI'I COUNTY COUNCIL OPPOSING UNITED STATES PREEMPTIVE MILITARY ACTION AGAINST IRAQ. 

WHEREAS, the US Government has estimated that a war would cost from 60 to 200 billion dollars, not including a post-war occupation, resulting in less federal funding for education, health care, transportation, job training, housing, and environmental concerns in a time of increasing need for residents of Hawai'i County; and 

WHEREAS, a war will cost the state of Hawai'i in individual income taxes and transient accommodation taxes, and the County of Hawai'i in tourist income at a time when the state already suffers from a budget shortfall, further decreasing available funds to support local needs; and 

WHEREAS, as of March 9, 2003, more than 70 United States cities and counties, along with the Maine and Hawai'i House of Representatives, have taken a stand against a preemptive and/or unilateral military action against Iraq; and 

WHEREAS, the CIA expects a war to provoke terrorist attacks within the United States, putting Hawai'i lives at grave risk and generating emergency responses by local hospitals and other emergency personnel that will tax local resources; and 

WHEREAS, many of our police, fire, and other health related personnel are also in the military and will serve during military operations, our emergency system will be further taxed; and 

WHEREAS, a war would likely result in a loss of visitor and tourists dollars, an important source of Hawai'i County revenue; and 

WHEREAS, a war would result in military casualties, including United States and likely, Hawai'i County service men and women; and 

WHEREAS, a war would result in widespread environmental destruction; and 

WHEREAS, the County of Hawai'i has sought to promote nonviolence among its. young, and promote peaceful resolution of conflicts through ho'oponopono and other peaceful methods of conflict resolution. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hawai'i County Council supports U.S. House Concurrent Resolution 473 calling for the United States to work through the United Nations to renew arms inspections, assure Iraqi compliance with United Nation resolutions, opposes unprovoked unilateral first strike military action. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we express our support for American and Allied Troops and encourage the United States to cease military operations in Iraq, in consultation with the United Nations and our allies, and to pursue a peaceful and equitable solution under the auspices of the United Nations. 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk transmit copies of this resolution to The Honorable George. W. Bush, President of the United States of America; Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist; Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert; Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi A. Annan; The Honorable Daniel Inouye; The Honorable Daniel Akaka; The Honorable Neil Abercrombie; and The Honorable Ed Case. 

INTRODUCED BY: Bob Jacobson COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAI'I