In October 2022, the state of Hawaii and the government of Israel signed a Joint Declaration establishing a "strategic partnership for friendly exchanges and cooperation between Hawaii and Israel". The Joint Declaration established a formal relationship between both governments. Absent from the conversation on the day that then-governor David Ige signed this  partnership, were the Palestinians. Training in the "policing" techniques the Israel military has perfected in "dealing with" the Palestinians, is part of what Israel offers its partners. Many Police departments around the US have sent officers to train in Israel, let's  ensure the same doesn't happen here.  

I had the privilege of experiencing the love and humanity of Palestinians during a summer spent in the West Bank in 2011. I witnessed firsthand their kindness, compassion, and unmatched hospitality. I also witnessed the daily struggle to live under occupation, enduring the cruelty of an oppressive regime that denies them their basic human rights and upholds a cruel system of apartheid over every single aspect of their lives. The Israeli government's actions against people who merely wish to coexist with their neighbors - be they Muslim, Christian, or Jewish - equally and peacefully - are unjustifiable. They don't want more rights, they want equal rights. They don't want to turn back the clock to 1947 and expel their Jewish neighbors. They want one democratic state where all are protected from this inhumanity, some of which I personally witnessed. 

The ongoing indiscriminate bombing of Gaza is only the latest horrific example of Israel's utter disregard for human rights and the sanctity of life. This act alone has resulted in upwards of 20,000 Palestinian deaths so far, at least a third of which are infants and children. This horrifying statistic is not just a number; it represents lives lost, families torn apart, dreams shattered. 

The state of Hawaii's strategic partnership with such a government contradicts our values here in Hawaii– values rooted in respect for all life forms and peaceful coexistence. By continuing this partnership, we are cosigning these acts that go against our principles.

It is time for us to take action; it is time for us to stand up for what we believe in. We must urge our local representatives to terminate this strategic partnership between Hawaii and Israel until every last person living between the river and the sea is treated equally under the law, and no people are given preferential status based on race, color, or creed. 

By signing this petition you are taking a stand against injustice and supporting peace and equality.

Occupation is not aloha. Apartheid is not aloha. Genocide is not aloha. 

Please sign today.