THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	194
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015		S.D. 2
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 people of African descent in Hawaii between 1778 and 1850, people of African descent have contributed significantly to all phases of Hawaii's development.  The rich culture and proud heritage of people of African descent have been and continue to be positive influences upon life in Hawaii.  However, little of this history is known or preserved due to a lack of understanding and racial divides.  Recognition of the contributions of people of African descent 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 the history and culture of people of African descent to recognize the contributions of people of African descent in Hawaii and educate Hawaii's citizens.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established a commission to be known as the Hawaii commission on the history and culture of people of African descent.

     (b)  The commission shall be temporarily placed within the department of accounting and general services for administrative purposes.  The commission shall be dissolved on June 30, 2017.

     (c)  The Hawaii commission on the history and culture of people of African descent shall consist of eleven members to be appointed by the governor without regard to section 26-34, Hawaii Revised Statutes.  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 a majority vote of 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 the history and culture of people of African descent may:

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

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

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

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2015; and shall be repealed on June 30, 2017.

 

 

Report Title:

Hawaii Commission on the History and Culture of People of African Descent

 

Description:

Establishes the Hawaii Commission on the History and Culture of People of African Descent to recognize the contributions of people of African descent in Hawaii and educate residents and visitors to the State about these contributions.  (SB194 HD1)

 

 

 

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