HJR 4-HONORING THE ALASKA-KOREA RELATIONSHIP  3:05:26 PM CHAIR SHAW announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4, "Honoring the Alaska-Korea relationship; and celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Republic of Korea, the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement, and the 120th anniversary of the first Korean immigration to the United States." 3:06:12 PM REPRESENTATIVE GENEVIEVE MINA, Alaska State Legislature, prime sponsor, presented HJR 4. She paraphrased the sponsor statement [included in the committee packet], which read as follows [original punctuation provided]: HJR 4 honors the unique relationship and shared history between the State of Alaska and the Republic of Korea. Korean immigrants came to Alaska to work in the fishing and canning industries, forming tight-knit communities and social institutions. The Korean- American community is a vital part of Alaska's diversity. They serve as Alaska as military personnel, police officers, fire fighters, nurses and doctors, teachers, business owners, public servants, and more - contributing their talents to Alaska's safety, diversity, and unity. Additionally, the government of South Korea has served as an important partner in national security and trade. The Mutual Defense Treaty of 1953 between the United States and the Republic of Korea strengthened the defense of both countries against external threats, particularly from North Korea. The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is a growing hub for air cargo to and from the Republic of Korea, and Alaska has become an important destination for thousands of Korean tourists each year. Since 1986, the Municipality of Anchorage and Incheon Metropolitan City have been sister cities, leading to economic opportunities and increased cultural exchange between the two regions. House Joint Resolution 4 seeks to honor and celebrate the friendly and beneficial relationship between the United States and the Republic of Korea, and the unique role Alaska has in that relationship. 3:10:09 PM CHAIR SHAW invited questions from members of the committee. 3:10:17 PM REPRESENTATIVE STORY expressed her gratitude for the informative resolution, adding that she was surprised to learn that Korea was [America's] largest trade partner. She inquired about the Korea-Alaska Friendship Festival. REPRESENTATIVE MINA discussed the Korea-Alaska Friendship Festival, noting that it was hosted by the Korean American community of Anchorage (KACA). She stated that KACA hosted a variety of events, such as multicultural unity conversations, training for elders, small business nonprofit seminars, senior academy, scholarship day, and scholarship programs that had paid out $20,000 annually to many Alaskan students for the past 20 years. 3:12:37 PM CHAIR SHAW opened public testimony on HJR 4. 3:12:58 PM DAVID SONG, Board Secretary, Korean Cultural Center Alaska, testified in support of HJR 4. He paraphrased written remarks [included in the committee packet], which read as follows [original punctuation provided]: I am writing today as a member of the Korean community in Alaska to show my support for HJR 4, "Honoring the Alaska-Korea Relationship. There has been a long-standing relationship between our state and the country of South Korea. South Korea is one of Alaska's top trade partners, Alaskans have fought for the independence of South Korea during the Korean War, and Korean-Americans have established themselves as an integral part of our Alaskan community. Korean Americans in Alaska are deeply involved in our small business community, both in urban and rural communities across the state. The Korean American Community of Anchorage (KACA) has donated hundreds of thousands in scholarship funds to students of all backgrounds over the years, and are deeply involved in philanthropic efforts across the state. For example, SB 203, sponsored by Senator Revak, named a bridge in your district after Insook Baik, who has donated thousands of dollars of meals to the Mountain View community. Last year, our very own Miss Alaska was chosen to be Miss America in 2022 and is an involved member of the Korean American community. We are proud that she represented the Korean community gracefully on the national stage and used her platform to advocate for the Special Olympics. Alaska has already recognized the deep relationship between our two countries through Korea-Alaska Friendship Day, which is held on 6/25 of every year. However, I believe that HJR 4 would be a powerful reaffirmation of this relationship. To honor the contributions of Koreans to Alaska and for the betterment of the relationships between our two countries, I urge the Legislature to pass HJR 4 posthaste. CHAIR SHAW closed public testimony on HJR 4. 3:15:10 PM REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER recounted his experience serving in Korea for a military exercise, which he described as inspirational. He noted his surprise at the amount of high tunnels and greenhouses in addition to the investment in infrastructure that allowed them to grow crops for a longer period. He expressed appreciation for the time he spent there and for the proposed resolution. CHAIR SHAW shared his experience training with the Korean frogmen, emphasizing the value of Korea and HJR 3. 3:17:20 PM The committee took a brief at-ease. 3:17:29 PM REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT moved to report HJR 4 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal note. There being no objection, HJR 4 was reported from the House State Affairs Standing Committee.