Appropriates funding for Hawaii State public library bookmobile services.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii state public library bookmobiles serve an important function for residents of the State. Bookmobile services enable all residents to receive library resources, especially those located in rural communities where library branches are far apart. Furthermore, the legislature finds that supporting bookmobile services will help the Hawaii state public library system fulfill its mission "[t]o provide Hawaii's residents, in all walks of life, and at each stage of their lives, with access to education, information, programs and services, and to teach and nurture the love of reading and the habit of life-long learning." Bookmobiles help make this mission a reality by assisting the elderly, schools, rural communities, and other residents who do not have access to a local library branch.

Hawaii state public library bookmobile services, with the exception of the bookmobile on the island of Molokai, are not in operation, and the bookmobiles sit unused in parking lots in many communities. When bookmobile vehicles are not being used, they wear down quickly, which will cost more to replace in the future.

The legislature finds that, as these services remain dormant, a valuable benefit to residents of Hawaii is not utilized. The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funding for bookmobile services in the State in order to provide library services to all of the residents of Hawaii.

SECTION 2. 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 2005-2006, and the same sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for supporting the Hawaii State public library bookmobiles.

SECTION 3. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.