Bill Text: HI HB1549 | 2016 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Early Settlers of African Ancestry; Hawaiian African Descendants
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-02-17 - Re-referred to FIN, referral sheet 17 [HB1549 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2016-HB1549-Introduced.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1549 |
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TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to the early settlers of african ancestry, their hawaiian african descendants, AND PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT IN HAWAII.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. People of African ancestry made numerous significant contributions to all phases of Hawaii's development and history since their arrival in the eighteenth century. Combined with the rich culture of Native Hawaiians, people of African ancestry continue to impact and influence life in Hawaii, particularly with the President of the United States, Barack Obama, being a Hawaii born person of African ancestry. Hawaii can no longer ignore the early settlers' history which has been embedded in the fabric of these islands long before the missionaries arrived in 1820, with the descendants of these settlers still living among us today.
The purpose of this Act is to establish a commission to recognize the history of the early settlers of African ancestry and Hawaiian African descendants, acknowledging their many contributions and common threads within Hawaii's society and to educate local residents and young people about the diverse culture and roots within our islands' multicultural society.
SECTION 2. Chapter 6E, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§6E- Hawaii commission on the history and culture of the early settlers of African ancestry and their Hawaiian African descendants. (a) There is established a commission to be known as the Hawaii commission on the history and culture of the early settlers of African ancestry and their Hawaiian African descendants.
(b) The commission shall be temporarily placed within the office of the governor for administrative purposes.
(c) The commission shall consist of eleven members to be appointed by the governor without regard to section 26-34. The members may include:
(1) Two members representing the African American Diversity Culture Center Hawaii;
(2) Two members representing the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People;
(3) One member representing the University of Hawaii; and
(4) Six at-large members from various ethnic groups.
(d) The chair of the commission shall be selected by the commission members.
(e) The members shall not receive compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in the performance of their duties under this section.
(f) The commission may:
(1) Initiate, direct, and coordinate projects and events to further the understanding of the history and culture of the early settlers of African ancestry and their Hawaiian African descendants;
(2) Educate residents, young people, and visitors to Hawaii about the significance and impact of the early settlers of African ancestry and their Hawaiian African descendants' experiences in Hawaii; and
(3) Publish an annual report to the legislature with recommendations to honor and recognize the contributions of early settlers, their Hawaiian African descendants, and people of African descent in Hawaii."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Early Settlers of African Ancestry; Hawaiian African Descendants
Description:
Establishes a commission on the history and culture of the early settlers of African ancestry and their Hawaiian African descendants.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
