HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 98-4708, by Representatives K. Schmidt, Dyer, Fisher, Robertson, Morris, Skinner, Radcliff, D. Schmidt, McDonald, Thompson, Sehlin, Cody, Wood, Wensman, Sterk, Mielke, Kastama, Kessler, Grant, Honeyford, Parlette, Regala, Talcott, Doumit, B. Thomas, Sheahan, Lambert, Cole, Crouse, Clements, D. Sommers, Constantine, Mulliken, Tokuda, Kenney, Costa, McCune, Zellinsky, L. Thomas, Conway, Van Luven, Hankins, Lisk, Mitchell, Schoesler, Ogden, Ballasiotes, Romero, Veloria, Lantz, Delvin, Keiser, Reams, Gombosky, Carlson, Huff, Scott, Appelwick, Cairnes, Linville, Eickmeyer, Hickel, Quall, Alexander, H. Sommers, Poulsen, Backlund, McMorris, Benson, Bush, Dunn, Chopp, Cooper, Mason and Cooke

      WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to recognize and honor those individuals that have made significant contributions to the well-being of the citizens of the State of Washington; and

      WHEREAS, The esteemed Mr. Luis Fernando Esteban has distinguished himself in his service to the State of Washington as the Honorary Vice- Consul of Spain; and

      WHEREAS, Mr. Esteban's work to develop, fund, and implement over eighty significant bilateral educational, cultural, historical, and commercial projects has been of enormous and long-lasting benefit to the citizens of the State of Washington; and

      WHEREAS, His Royal Highness Prince Felipe of Spain, became the first member of a royal family to visit our State capitol as a result of the tireless personal efforts of Mr. Esteban; and

      WHEREAS, The paintings and sculptures of such famous Spanish artists as Picasso, Miro, Artigas, and Dali were viewed by a record breaking sixty-eight thousand people in ten weeks at the Tacoma Art Museum, many of whom were school children, as a direct result of the intervention and coordination by Mr. Esteban and Ms. Maria Isabel Esteban; and

      WHEREAS, His many contributions as a volunteer to improve Washington's transportation industry has brought a new horizon and hope for high speed rail and light rail for intercity transportation; and

      WHEREAS, Mr. Esteban has worked with leaders in private businesses and government officials in both countries to introduce Spanish language, culture, heritage, and history programs into our public school curriculum; and

      WHEREAS, The historical and cultural roots of Washington State are deeply rooted in Spain, which highlights the importance of a Spanish Consul presence here in our State; and

      WHEREAS, Mr. Esteban continues to volunteer his valuable time to further the cause of positive international relations between Spain and the United States;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urges all citizens to formally recognize Mr. Luis Fernando Esteban and duly honor his most distinguished dedication to sharing the very best of the Hispanic heritage; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to His Royal Highness King Juan Carlos of Spain and the President of Spain, Jose Maria Aznar.

          I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

         Resolution 4708 adopted by the House of Representatives

                              March 9, 1998.

                     ________________________________

                      Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk