HI HR145

Expresses support for Hawaii to pursue hosting the 2016 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress in Honolulu.

The World Conservation Congress is a nearly two-week international event held every four years that has never been hosted in the United States, attracting approximately 8,000 delegates including world leaders, scientists, and Nobel laureates.

The 2016 Congress theme will be "Oceania," making Hawaii's geographic location and expertise in marine and island systems an ideal host location.

Identifies Honolulu as a world-renowned visitor destination with adequate facilities and infrastructure to stage the event, and notes that hosting international conferences supports Hawaii's tourism industry and economic well-being.

Directs transmission of certified copies of the resolution to the U.S. Department of State, Hawaii's Congressional delegation, the Governor, state tourism officials, and the Mayor of Honolulu.