HI SR177

Recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of Compact of Free Association (COFA) community members in Hawaii, including citizens from Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Federated States of Micronesia.

Notes that over 14,700 COFA migrants currently live in Hawaii and contributed an estimated $336.2 million to Hawaii's gross domestic product in 2017.

Acknowledges that COFA citizens serve in the United States Armed Forces at high per capita rates, with approximately 1,500 Micronesian citizens serving as of 2019.

Recognizes COFA migrants' contributions to Hawaii's economy through labor, consumer spending, and tax payments, while noting they face discrimination in housing, education, employment, and healthcare access.

Requests the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to research and report on COFA migrants' contributions to the state by 40 days prior to the 2022 legislative session.