WHEREAS, the late Honorable Joseph Habuchmai, a resident of Yap State and a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia passed away on September 13, 2025, in Pohnpei State, FSM at the age of 69, having been born on April 20, 1956; and

WHEREAS, the late Honorable Joseph Habuchmai, after graduating from Outer Island High School, obtained his Associate of Science in Education degree in 1977 from the Community College of Micronesia (CCM), his Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood from Concordia College in 1979 and his M.Ed in Education from the latter college in 1984; and

WHEREAS, the late Honorable Joseph Habuchmai began his career as a well respected educator in the Federated States of Micronesia as an instructor with CCM in 1981 and worked in various capacities including through the transition of the CCM to the now College of Micronesia – FSM (COMFSM) as Assistant and Associate Professor, Chairperson, Director of Academic Programs and his most recent post of Education Developer: Indigenous Ways of Knowing – serving and most especially the students, of the FSM for more than forty years; and

WHEREAS, the late Honorable Joseph Habuchmai was elected and took office to serve the people of Yap in 2003 through 2007, as Lieutenant Governor with the late Governor Robert Ruecho’ and their Administration was central in carrying the State of Yap through the transition into the 2nd Amended Compact, the historical impact of Typhoon Sudal and the 2004 State Constitutional Convention and subsequent referendum, to name a few; and

WHEREAS, the late Honorable Joseph Habuchmai has served on various boards and commissions that have benefitted the people and government of the Federated States of Micronesia, and in particular the State of Yap and are too numerous to be mentioned herein; and

WHEREAS, the late Honorable Joseph Habuchmai’s contributions, achievements and commitment to serving the people has made him a true public servant with a lasting legacy as an Educator, Orator and Elder for the people of the State of Yap, his relatives, friends and family; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Eleventh Legislature of the State of Yap, Third Regular Session, 2025, that this Legislature hereby expresses deepest sympathy and condolences to the family, relatives, and friends of the late Honorable Joseph Habuchmai for his untimely passing; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the family of the late Honorable Joseph Habuchmai; the President of the College of Micronesia-FSM; the Governor of the State of Yap; the Chairman of the Council of Pilung; and the Chairman of the Council of Tamol.