1. United States
2. Hawaii
3. Letter

I am writing to express deep concern over the escalating genocide and humanitarian crisis in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Since 1998, more than 6 million people have died as a result of conflict in the DRC, many due to hunger and disease. As of April 2024, approximately 7.3 million individuals have been internally displaced due to ongoing violence. Recent reports indicate that nearly 3,000 people have been killed and over 700,000 individuals have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict involving Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. Hawaiʻi has long affirmed its commitment to human rights and justice. Article I, Section 2 of the Hawaiʻi State Constitution upholds the inherent rights of all people, while the Kānāwai Māmalahoe (Law of the Splintered Paddle)—a foundational law protecting the vulnerable—reflects a deep cultural and legal commitment to safeguarding human dignity. Additionally, Hawaiʻi’s legislature has passed resolutions reaffirming its dedication to civil liberties and international human rights. In this spirit, I urge you to take action to address the genocide and humanitarian crisis in the DRC, ensuring that U.S. policies reflect these values. Moreover, given Hawaiʻi’s stated commitments to sustainability, environmental justice, and ethical economic practices—including the Hawaiʻi Clean Energy Initiative the Aloha+ Challenge, and the Hawaiʻi 2050 Sustainability Plan—I urge you to take immediate action to ensure that U.S. policies do not contribute to further instability and suffering in the region. I respectfully request that you: 1. Enforce Corporate Accountability & Ethical Supply Chains– Strengthen oversight of U.S. companies sourcing minerals from the DRC to ensure compliance with responsible sourcing laws and prevent funding of armed groups. 2. Advance Diplomatic Pressure for Regional Stability– Urge the State Department to prioritize diplomatic intervention, holding all actors accountable, including allies complicit in the violence. 3. Redirect Humanitarian Support Through Alternative Channels– Identify new funding streams for humanitarian aid in Goma, including direct appropriations, partnerships with multilateral organizations, and support for NGOs assisting displaced communities. Hawaiʻi’s sustainability commitments recognize that justice must be at the core of environmental and economic policies. We must extend this principle globally to ensure that the transition to clean energy does not come at the cost of Congolese lives. I urge you to act now to hold corporations accountable, support diplomatic intervention, and ensure humanitarian relief reaches those in need. Please inform me of the steps you are taking to address this crisis. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.