(Clearwisdom.net)

Whereas, Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong is an advanced exercise and meditation practice system of the mind, body, and spirit based on ancient wisdom, placing the utmost emphasis on cultivating the individual xinxing or mind/heart nature, by assimilating to truthfulness, compassion and tolerance; and

Whereas, the founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi introduced Falun Dafa to the public in 1992; and

Whereas, Falun Dafa became popular through word of mouth due to its many benefits, attracting more than 70 million people around the world to study the Fa and do the exercises alone or together with others; and

Whereas, Falun Dafa has received overwhelming support from the United States Congress, other governments and human rights groups, it remains a target of suppression by the Communist government of the People's Republic of China, which rejects freedom of conscience, expression and assembly; and

Whereas, the Communist Government in the People's Republic of China continues to persecute practitioners of Falun Dafa on the misplaced fear that they are threatened by the growing number of Chinese who regularly do the ancient exercises; and

Whereas, the Government in the People's Republic of China has cracked down and arrested thousands of practitioners, 10,000 of whom were sent to labor camps without trial and others illegally imprisoned in mental hospitals and who have suffered through forced injections and psychological torture; and

Whereas, Falun Dafa practitioners have been courageously appealing to the Chinese government for their legal rights in a peaceful manner, despite continued suppression; and

Whereas, those who practice the exercises worldwide -- as well as international organizations such as Amnesty International -- are calling for an open dialogue between the Chinese government and its citizens who practice Falun Dafa; and

Whereas, the State of Hawaii supports the practice of Falun Dafa within its shores and throughout the world; therefore

Be It Resolved by the Senate of the Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2002, that this body hereby proclaim February 17 to February 23, 2003 as "Hawaii Falun Dafa Week"; and

Be It Further Resolved that this body wishes practitioners of Falun Dafa success in their efforts to end the oppression and persecution in their native country of China.

(Signatures)

Done this 14^th day of February 2002