The House of Representatives today passed S.Con.Res. 58, a resolution offered by U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii), expressing support for the tenth annual meeting of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) which will be held in Honolulu from January 6-9, 2002. The Senate adopted the resolution earlier this fall. The East-West Center will host the gathering of approximately 270 parliamentarians from 27 countries bordering the Pacific.

"I am pleased that Hawaii has been chosen to host the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum's tenth annual meeting," Akaka said. "Hawaii stands at the crossroads of the Pacific and looks forward to welcoming the delegates from abroad, my colleagues from the Congress, and distinguished officials from the Administration. The issues to be addressed during the meeting are serious, including the threat of terrorism and the environment. It is my hope that bringing so many representatives from different nations together in the spirit of Aloha will assist in developing a consensus on how we resolve these critical issues."