[§226‑3]  Overall theme.  Hawaii'speople, as both individuals and groups, generally accept and live by a numberof principles or values which are an integral part of society.  This concept isthe unifying theme of the state plan.  The following principles or values areestablished as the overall theme of the Hawaii state plan:

(1)  Individual and family self-sufficiency refers tothe rights of people to maintain as much self-reliance as possible.  It is anexpression of the value of independence, in other words, being able to freelypursue personal interests and goals.  Self-sufficiency means that individualsand families can express and maintain their own self-interest so long as thatself-interest does not adversely affect the general welfare.  Individualfreedom and individual achievement are possible only by reason of other peoplein society, the institutions, arrangements and customs that they maintain, andthe rights and responsibilities that they sanction.

(2)  Social and economic mobility refers to the rightof individuals to choose and to have the opportunities for choice available tothem.  It is a corollary to self-sufficiency.  Social and economic mobilitymeans that opportunities and incentives are available for people to seek outtheir own levels of social and economic fulfillment.

(3)  Community or social well-being is a value thatencompasses many things.  In essence, it refers to healthy social, economic,and physical environments that benefit the community as a whole.  A sense ofsocial responsibility, of caring for others and for the well-being of ourcommunity and of participating in social and political life, are importantaspects of this concept.  It further implies the aloha spirit--attitudes oftolerance, respect, cooperation and unselfish giving, within which Hawaii'ssociety can progress.

One of the basic functions of our society is toenhance the ability of individuals and groups to pursue their goals freely, tosatisfy basic needs and to secure desired socio-economic levels.  The elementsof choice and mobility within society's legal framework are fundamentalrights.  Society's role is to encourage conditions within which individuals andgroups can approach their desired levels of self-reliance andself-determination.  This enables people to gain confidence and self-esteem;citizens contribute more when they possess such qualities in a free and opensociety.

Government promotes citizen freedom,self-reliance, self-determination, social and civic responsibility and goalsachievement by keeping order, by increasing cooperation among many diverseindividuals and groups, and by fostering social and civic responsibilities thataffect the general welfare.  The greater the number and activities ofindividuals and groups, the more complex government's role becomes.  Thefunction of government, however, is to assist citizens in attaining theirgoals.  Government provides for meaningful participation by the people indecision-making and for effective access to authority as well as an equitablesharing of benefits.  Citizens have a responsibility to work with theirgovernment to contribute to society's improvement.  They must also conducttheir activities within an agreed-upon legal system that protects human rights.[L 1978, c 100, pt of §2]