Bill Text: HI SB2598 | 2014 | Regular Session | Amended

Hawaii Senate Bill 2598 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Commission on African American History and Culture ($)

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2014-04-25 - Received notice of change in conferees (Hse. Com. No. 725). [SB2598 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2014-SB2598-Amended.html

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2598
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		H.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE CULTURAL EXCHANGES BETWEEN HAWAII AND AFRICAN AMERICANS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that since the arrival of the first African Americans in Hawaii between 1778 and 1850, the African American people have contributed significantly to all phases of Hawaii's development. The rich culture and proud heritage of the African American people have been and continue to be positive influences upon life in Hawaii. However, this history is not widely understood and has not been well-preserved. Recognition of the contributions of the African American people and their culture is important to promoting and building awareness of Hawaii's diverse and multicultural society.

The purpose of this Act is to establish a Hawaii commission on African American history and culture to recognize the contributions of the African American people in Hawaii and educate Hawaii's residents and visitors.

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 African American history and culture. (a) There is established a commission to be known as the Hawaii commission on African American history and culture.

(b) The commission shall be temporarily placed within the office of the governor for administrative purposes.

(1) Five members shall be appointed by the governor without regard to section 26-34;

(2) Three members shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and

(3) Three members shall be appointed by the president of the senate.

(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 Hawaii commission on African American history and culture may:

(1) Initiate, direct, and coordinate projects and events to further the understanding of African American history and culture;

(2) Educate residents and visitors to the State about the significance and impact of the African American experience in Hawaii; and

(3) Publish an annual report to the legislature with recommendations to honor and recognize the contributions of African American people in Hawaii."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 for operational expenses relating to the Hawaii commission on African American history and culture.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the office of the governor for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

Commission on African American History and Culture

Description:

Establishes the Hawaii commission on African American History and Culture to recognize the contributions of the African American people in Hawaii and educate residents and visitors to the State about these contributions. Appropriates funds to the Governor for the expenses of the commission. Effective July 1, 2050. (SB2598 HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.