Deletes the provision that states that the Hawaiian language college at the University of Hawaii at Hilo shall not be given additional general funds beyond the initial funding. (SD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the Hawaiian language college was established at the University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH-Hilo) in 1997 to serve as a focal point for the revitalization of the Hawaiian language in accordance with state constitutional requirements that the study of Hawaiian language be promoted. As can be expected, questions were raised within the University of Hawaii (UH) about this new college during its beginnings. However, since then, the commitment of the faculty and the progress made by the college have demonstrated its viability and value within the UH system in addition to its special relevance to the community as required by law.

The Hawaiian language college has been constrained in its development by a unique prohibition from receiving general funds for its operations. This prohibition impacts negatively on the ability of the college to grow and also on its ability to bring in additional federal and private funds to UH-Hilo. The college has proven that it can be a relevant part of UH and that it can make meaningful contributions to the community. Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to repeal the prohibition of appropriating general funds to the Hawaiian language college at UH-Hilo.

SECTION 2. Act 315, Session Laws of Hawaii 1997, is amended by amending section 5 to read as follows:

"SECTION 5. [Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, general funds shall not be appropriated to fund the continuation of the Hawaiian language college at the University of Hawaii at Hilo if initial funds are deemed inadequate or become unavailable.] The University of Hawaii shall continue to work with the office of Hawaiian affairs, the federal government, and `Aha Punana Leo, Inc., to establish additional funding for the needs of the college."

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.