THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	194
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

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, little is known or preserved due to a lack of understanding and racial divides.  Recognition of the contributions of the African American people and their culture is important to the promotion and awareness of Hawaii's diverse and multicultural society.

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

     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.

     (c)  The Hawaii commission on African American history and culture shall consist of eleven members to be appointed by the governor without regard to section 26-34.  The members shall 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.

     (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.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  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.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

 

 

 

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