HI HCR156

Commends the United States and Israel for their commitment to democracy, human rights, and their economic strategic partnership established since Israel's founding on May 14, 1948.

Highlights the 1985 United States-Israel Free Trade Agreement, the U.S.'s first and Israel's second bilateral trade agreement, which has resulted in nearly tenfold increase in bilateral trade in goods.

Notes significant economic ties including $9.3 billion in U.S. goods exports to Israel and $18.3 billion in imports from Israel as of 2009, plus $77 billion in U.S. direct investment and $51.3 billion in Israeli direct investment between 2000 and 2009.

Recognizes Israel's strategic importance to U.S. national security through shared democratic values, military strength, intelligence capabilities, and participation in NATO's Mediterranean Dialogue for regional stability.

Urges the Governor of Hawaii to undertake a trade mission to Israel and directs transmission of the resolution to U.S. and Israeli government officials including the President, Prime Minister, ambassadors, and defense and foreign affairs ministers.