THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3107
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO THE STATE INSTRUMENT.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the State has sixteen adopted, designated, and established official symbols.  From the state motto:  "Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono", to kalo, the state plant, these symbols are representative of all things unique to Hawaii.

     The legislature finds that throughout the history of Hawaii, music has played an integral part in the lives of its people.  The first recorded sighting of an ukulele can be traced back to 1886, when Honolulu newspaper editor Augustus Marques discussed it in an article on music in Hawaii.  The ukulele was originally from Portugal, but it was popularized by Hawaiian royalty, plantation workers, and musicians.  The word "ukulele" is translated from Hawaiian in two parts:  "uke", meaning to strike and "lele", meaning to jump.  The legislature finds that the popularity of ukulele music continues to grow throughout our islands, the mainland, and beyond.

     The legislature finds that the State has struggled recently with budget cuts to deserving programs.  Among the losses are reductions in funding from the department of education for music and art education.  Kindy Sproat, a renowned falsetto singer and musician, may have said it best, "One ukulele and one soul can do a lot".

     The legislature finds that the beautiful sound of the ukulele has inspired generations of musicians and fans, and has often kindled camaraderie during impromptu jam sessions.  In recognition of talented ukulele instructors and musicians past, present, and future throughout these islands and the world, the legislature honors this truly amazing musical instrument and its history in Hawaii by establishing the ukulele as the official state instrument.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§5‑    State instrument.  The ukulele is established and designated as the official instrument of the State."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.

 

 

Report Title:

Official State Instrument; Ukulele

 

Description:

Establishes and designates the ukulele as the official state instrument.  Effective July 1, 2020.  (SD1)

 

 

 

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