GOVERNOR DAVID IGE’S STATEMENT ON SYRIAN REFUGEES
News Release from Office of the Governor November 16, 2015
Our first priority is the safety of the American people, including the people of the State of Hawai‘i.
The U.S. accepts refugees, including Syrians, only after they are subjected to the most vigorous and highest level of screening and security vetting.
As President Obama has said – slamming the door in their face would be a betrayal of our values. Hawai‘i and our nation have a long history of welcoming refugees impacted by war and oppression. Hawai‘i is the Aloha State, known for its tradition of welcoming all people with tolerance and mutual respect. I am confident that our state will work closely with the federal government to ensure that appropriate resources and support are available before any refugees arrive in Hawai‘i.
— Hawai‘i Governor David Ige
VIDEO: GOVERNORS’ PRESS CONFERENCE ON SYRIAN REFUGEES
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FLAGS TO FLY AT HALF-STAFF TO HONOR THE VICTIMS OF THE ATTACK IN PARIS, FRANCE
News Release from Office of the Governor November 15, 2015
HONOLULU — At the direction of the President of the United States, the national and state flags shall be flown at half-staff beginning immediately through sundown on November 19, 2015 as a mark of respect for the victims of the acts of violence on November 13, 2015 in Paris, France.
“I know the people of Hawai‘i join me in sending our Aloha to the people of France as they respond to this senseless act of violence,” said Gov. Ige
A copy of the official order from the White House is attached.
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Statement by Sen Sam Slom:
Governor Ige: tell us it isn't so. Today, you said HAWAII will welcome unlimited Syrian refugees. Hawaii is the first state to rush into this. 27 Governors expressed serious reservations about the "refugees." This shouldn't be a partisan issue. All states should be reluctant. HAWAII'S open arms is premature, there is NO federal vetting process or resources, We know at least one of the Paris bombers lied to get to Europe as a "refugee." Brings back memories of our past legislative "Aloha Saddam," Resolution. Hawaii can't even take care of the needs of its own citizens, the cost of homeless, the COFA Tsunami and the costs of Syrian refugees. And what about our strategic military facilities? Compassion yes, unintended consequences no. Vive la France!
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Can You Trust These ‘Screeners’?
CNS: So Far: Syrian Refugees in U.S. Include 2,098 Muslims, 53 Christians
NYT: Map of Syrian Refugee Placements in USA (Hawaii zero so far)
DM: Now 25 Republican governors - and one Democrat too - say they don't want to accept Syrian refugees
…Several GOP presidential candidates have voiced strong opinions on the issue too, including Sen. Ted Cruz, who suggested the United States simply help the Christians.
'There is no meaningful risk of Christians committing acts of terror,' Cruz said yesterday at a campaign stop in South Carolina, as he called for Muslim refugees to be barred from entering the United States, according to the Washington Post.
'If there were a group of radical Christians pledging to murder anyone who had a different religious view than they, we would have a different national security situation,' Cruz said, who criticized the Obama administration for 'pretend[ing] as if there is no religious aspect to this.'
Jeb Bush, who is also seeking the White House, suggested yesterday on Meet the Press that the country prioritize Christian Syrians who need help.
'I do think we have a responsibility to help with refugees after proper screening,' Bush said. 'And I think our focus ought to be on the Christians who have no place in Syria anymore.' ….