HI SCR98

Expresses Hawaii Senate support for Taiwan as a democratic partner and endorses its participation as an observer in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, International Civil Aviation Organization, World Health Organization, and International Criminal Police Organization.

Supports continued progress on the United States-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade and encourages Taiwan's pursuit of bilateral trade, investment, and tax agreements with the United States.

Recognizes Taiwan as the world's largest semiconductor producer, the seventh largest U.S. merchandise trading partner ($158.6 billion total goods trade), and a key link to global technology and supply chains.

Acknowledges Hawaii and Taiwan's sister-state relationship established in 1993 and encourages enhanced educational and cultural exchanges, including Mandarin language instruction programs.

Directs transmission of the resolution to the President, Congressional leaders, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, U.S. Trade Representative, Hawaii's Congressional delegation, the Governor, and the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.