House resolutions introduced proclaiming Feb. 24 ‘Remember Ukraine Day in Hawaiʻi’

On Wednesday, Hawai’i Rep. John Mizuno introduced House Concurrent Resolution 16 and House Resolution 19 that proclaim Feb. 24, 2023 as “Remember Ukraine Day in Hawaiʻi” to mark the solemn one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Rep. Mizuno emphasizes that the war in Ukraine has brought to the attention of the entire world the plight of unarmed, innocent Ukrainian civilians who are suffering and being targeted by occupying military forces.

“Putin, who has spent the last two decades subverting democracies around the world and undermining freedom and reform movements in his own country, has taken the world in a dangerous direction by his illegal and unprovoked invasion of the neighboring country of Ukraine,” Rep. Mizuno said.

“This development bodes dangerously for people everywhere, because Russian propaganda and the rise of militant dictatorships has destabilized peace and brought the world closer to bigger, wider conflicts It is important to use this day as an opportunity to reflect on peace and to educate everyone about the importance of freedom and democracy.”

In September 2022, the Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association recognized the moral and diplomatic importance of standing in solidarity with Ukraine when its General Assembly unanimously passed Resolution 1, which asked the Hawaiʻi State Legislature to declare Feb. 24, 2023 as Remember Ukraine Day in Hawaiʻi.

The resolution was written and introduced by association member Danny de Gracia, who told the Legislature that “the military conflict that is raging in Ukraine affects us all and represents a symbolic conflict between democracy or tyranny, and we must stand with our brothers and sisters who are fighting for democracy.”

Rep. Mizuno said he believes that declaring Feb. 24 as Remember Ukraine Day in Hawaiʻi will not only encourage the people of Ukraine to know that even in Hawaiʻi, people are praying and believing for their freedom, but will also give our residents the inspiration to know that a determined, courageous population can accomplish anything when we believe in ourselves.